I enjoyed this. Would seem to do well as an argument for preventing existential risk from Scheffler’s ‘the human project’ point of view, ie the continuation of transgenerational undertakings that we each contribute a tiny piece to, as opposed to the maximizing total utility approach. Persistence of the whole seems to have emergent merit beyond the lives of the individuals.
On the other hand it also made me think of the line Chigurh says in ‘No Country for Old Men’ > “If the rule that you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule?” Rule = eg not eating meat, being compassionate etc. [note, I believe there IS use in the rules, but the line still haunts me]
I enjoyed this. Would seem to do well as an argument for preventing existential risk from Scheffler’s ‘the human project’ point of view, ie the continuation of transgenerational undertakings that we each contribute a tiny piece to, as opposed to the maximizing total utility approach. Persistence of the whole seems to have emergent merit beyond the lives of the individuals.
On the other hand it also made me think of the line Chigurh says in ‘No Country for Old Men’ > “If the rule that you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule?” Rule = eg not eating meat, being compassionate etc. [note, I believe there IS use in the rules, but the line still haunts me]