Yes, I think of EA as optimally allocating a budget to maximize social welfare, analogous to the constrained utility maximization problem in intermediate microeconomics.
The worldview diversification problem is in putting everything in common units (eg. comparing human and animal lives, or comparing current and future lives). Uncertainty over these ‘exchange rates’ translates into uncertainty in our optimal budget allocation.
I just wrote out at least one good reference that EAs can’t really stick things in common units.
It’s entirely possible I’m wrong, but from my personal perspective, as a general principle it seems like a good idea to identify where I’m wrong or even just describe how your instincts tell you to do something different, which can be valid.
I mean for one thing, you get “fanaticism” AKA “corner solutions” for most reductive attempts to constrain max this thingy.
Yes, I think of EA as optimally allocating a budget to maximize social welfare, analogous to the constrained utility maximization problem in intermediate microeconomics.
The worldview diversification problem is in putting everything in common units (eg. comparing human and animal lives, or comparing current and future lives). Uncertainty over these ‘exchange rates’ translates into uncertainty in our optimal budget allocation.
Bruh.
I just wrote out at least one good reference that EAs can’t really stick things in common units.
It’s entirely possible I’m wrong, but from my personal perspective, as a general principle it seems like a good idea to identify where I’m wrong or even just describe how your instincts tell you to do something different, which can be valid.
I mean for one thing, you get “fanaticism” AKA “corner solutions” for most reductive attempts to constrain max this thingy.
I agree that it’s a difficult problem, but I’m not sure that it’s impossible.
I don’t know much about anything really, but IMO it seems really great that you are interested.
There are many people with the same thoughts or interests as you. It will be interesting to see what you come up with.
Appreciate your support!