related to the experience machine, you say “hedonism arguably commits us to a somewhat narcissistic view of our loved ones.” I don’t think this is correct. The experience machine is meant to show us that hedonism is false as a theory of personal wellbeing. Hedonism says that what makes my life go well for me is positive conscious experiences.
Hedonistic versions of utilitarianism of course say that our own personal wellbeing is not all that matters. From a utilitarian point of view, we care about our loved ones because of our own happiness and because of their own happiness as well. So, this isn’t narcissistic. Indeed, this is one debunking account of the experience machine. insofar as people have moral motivations, they would no longer people able to live a moral life once they clambered into the experience machine
I agree that what you describe is probably a defensible sentiment. Your point is similar to what I said in the text:
On the other side, those in favor of entering can argue that staying outside looks like the more self-absorbed choice. It would arguably be motivated by a desire to feel special about one’s pre-existing relationships and refusing to accept that there are better relationships to be had. (Consider the sentiment “If you love them, let them go.”)
But I don’t see how this is the only defensible sentiment. (It feels very viscerally wrong to me.)
Thanks for these posts, they are very interesting
related to the experience machine, you say “hedonism arguably commits us to a somewhat narcissistic view of our loved ones.” I don’t think this is correct. The experience machine is meant to show us that hedonism is false as a theory of personal wellbeing. Hedonism says that what makes my life go well for me is positive conscious experiences.
Hedonistic versions of utilitarianism of course say that our own personal wellbeing is not all that matters. From a utilitarian point of view, we care about our loved ones because of our own happiness and because of their own happiness as well. So, this isn’t narcissistic. Indeed, this is one debunking account of the experience machine. insofar as people have moral motivations, they would no longer people able to live a moral life once they clambered into the experience machine
I agree that what you describe is probably a defensible sentiment. Your point is similar to what I said in the text:
But I don’t see how this is the only defensible sentiment. (It feels very viscerally wrong to me.)