I agree that the idea could be restated in a clearer way. Here is an alternative way of saying essentially the same thing:
The project of doing good is a project of making better decisions. One important way of evaluating decisions is to compare the consequences they have to the consequences of alternative choices. Of course we don’t know the consequences of our decisions before we make them, so we must predict the consequences that a decision will have.
Those predictions are influenced by some of our beliefs. For example, do I believe animals are sentient? If so, perhaps I should donate more to animal charities, and less to charities aiming to help people. These beliefs pay rent in the sense that they help us make better decisions (they get to occupy some space in our heads since they provide us with benefits). Other beliefs do not influence our predictions about the consequences of important decisions. For example, whether or not I believe that Kanye West is a moral person does not seem important for any choice I care about. It is not decision-relevant, and does not “pay rent”.
In order to better predict the consequences of our decisions, it is better to have beliefs that more accurately reflect the world as it is. There are a number of things we can do to get more accurate beliefs—for example, we can seek out evidence, and reason about said evidence. But we have only so much time and energy to do so. So we should focus that time and energy on the beliefs that actually matter, in that they help us make important decisions.
I find your summary and examples helpful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Here’s another examples from chatgpt I found useful:
“Consider the belief that “regular exercise contributes to better health.” This belief is connected to sensory experiences and anticipations. If someone adheres to a regular exercise routine, they may anticipate improved well-being, increased energy levels, and positive changes in their physical condition. The belief is grounded in empirical evidence and aligns with sensory experiences related to the benefits of exercise.
On the other hand, imagine a belief like “wearing a specific color underwear guarantees good health.” This belief lacks a connection to sensory experience and does not provide meaningful anticipations. It is a “floating” belief because it lacks empirical support and doesn’t contribute to a realistic understanding of the factors influencing health. In the context of the article, the focus is on promoting beliefs that are firmly grounded in sensory experiences and contribute to accurate predictions and understanding.”
I agree that the idea could be restated in a clearer way. Here is an alternative way of saying essentially the same thing:
The project of doing good is a project of making better decisions. One important way of evaluating decisions is to compare the consequences they have to the consequences of alternative choices. Of course we don’t know the consequences of our decisions before we make them, so we must predict the consequences that a decision will have.
Those predictions are influenced by some of our beliefs. For example, do I believe animals are sentient? If so, perhaps I should donate more to animal charities, and less to charities aiming to help people. These beliefs pay rent in the sense that they help us make better decisions (they get to occupy some space in our heads since they provide us with benefits). Other beliefs do not influence our predictions about the consequences of important decisions. For example, whether or not I believe that Kanye West is a moral person does not seem important for any choice I care about. It is not decision-relevant, and does not “pay rent”.
In order to better predict the consequences of our decisions, it is better to have beliefs that more accurately reflect the world as it is. There are a number of things we can do to get more accurate beliefs—for example, we can seek out evidence, and reason about said evidence. But we have only so much time and energy to do so. So we should focus that time and energy on the beliefs that actually matter, in that they help us make important decisions.
I find your summary and examples helpful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Here’s another examples from chatgpt I found useful:
“Consider the belief that “regular exercise contributes to better health.” This belief is connected to sensory experiences and anticipations. If someone adheres to a regular exercise routine, they may anticipate improved well-being, increased energy levels, and positive changes in their physical condition. The belief is grounded in empirical evidence and aligns with sensory experiences related to the benefits of exercise.
On the other hand, imagine a belief like “wearing a specific color underwear guarantees good health.” This belief lacks a connection to sensory experience and does not provide meaningful anticipations. It is a “floating” belief because it lacks empirical support and doesn’t contribute to a realistic understanding of the factors influencing health. In the context of the article, the focus is on promoting beliefs that are firmly grounded in sensory experiences and contribute to accurate predictions and understanding.”