Agree but leaning more towards Option B. Wish this was discussed more explicitly, since it’s the question that determines whether this was “naive utilitarian went too far” (bad) or “sociopath using EA to reputation-launder” (bad). Since EA as a movement is soul-searching right now, it’s pretty important to figure out exactly which thing happened, as that informs us what to change about EA to prevent this from happening again.
whether this was “naive utilitarian went too far” (bad) or “sociopath using EA to reputation-launder” (bad).
I think this is a false dichotomy. You can be a psychopath (i.e. have highly elevated psychopathic traits) and nonetheless be a true believer in an ideology that is about bettering the world. For example, Stalin clearly had highly elevated psychopathic traits but (IIRC) he also risked his life to further communist goals. (To be clear, I’m not saying that Sam is nearly as bad as Stalin.)
Agree but leaning more towards Option B. Wish this was discussed more explicitly, since it’s the question that determines whether this was “naive utilitarian went too far” (bad) or “sociopath using EA to reputation-launder” (bad). Since EA as a movement is soul-searching right now, it’s pretty important to figure out exactly which thing happened, as that informs us what to change about EA to prevent this from happening again.
I think this is a false dichotomy. You can be a psychopath (i.e. have highly elevated psychopathic traits) and nonetheless be a true believer in an ideology that is about bettering the world. For example, Stalin clearly had highly elevated psychopathic traits but (IIRC) he also risked his life to further communist goals. (To be clear, I’m not saying that Sam is nearly as bad as Stalin.)
Good point, I think I’ve heard this perspective before but forgot.