If I understand correctly, your argument is that moral evolution is determined by specific environmental factors, and these factors can be generalized into some simple, linear rules by clear evidence as in natural science.
As I mentioned above, Iām afraid almost half of the book, the Essays on Longtermism, stands on the opposite side of this idea. Evidence discussed in this book seems suggesting that moral evolution is a dynamic process, not simply determined by specific environmental factors. Plus, although we may find some simple rules that are able to explain moral evolution, they are rarely possible to be as simple as linear progressivism.
I do agree with you that we need to avoid short-sightedness, only that we need to do this very carefully, reducing our long-term goals as little as possible. Therefore, we can focus our energy on those few but really imporatant goals more effectively. Hope this clarify my opinion.
If I understand correctly, your argument is that moral evolution is determined by specific environmental factors, and these factors can be generalized into some simple, linear rules by clear evidence as in natural science.
As I mentioned above, Iām afraid almost half of the book, the Essays on Longtermism, stands on the opposite side of this idea. Evidence discussed in this book seems suggesting that moral evolution is a dynamic process, not simply determined by specific environmental factors. Plus, although we may find some simple rules that are able to explain moral evolution, they are rarely possible to be as simple as linear progressivism.
I do agree with you that we need to avoid short-sightedness, only that we need to do this very carefully, reducing our long-term goals as little as possible. Therefore, we can focus our energy on those few but really imporatant goals more effectively. Hope this clarify my opinion.