the idea that suffering is the dominant component of the expected utility of the future is both consistent with standard utilitarian positions, and also captures the key point that most EA NU thinkers are making.
I don’t think it quite captures the key point. The key point is working to prevent suffering, which “symmetric” utilitarians often do. It’s possible the future is positive in expectation, but it’s best for a symmetric utilitarian to work on suffering, and it’s possible that the future is negative in expectation, but it’s best for them to work on pleasure or some other good.
Symmetric utilitarians might sometimes try to improve a situation by creating lots of happy individuals rather than addressing any of the suffering, and someone with suffering-focused views (including NU) might find this pointless and lacking in compassion for those who suffer.
I don’t think it quite captures the key point. The key point is working to prevent suffering, which “symmetric” utilitarians often do. It’s possible the future is positive in expectation, but it’s best for a symmetric utilitarian to work on suffering, and it’s possible that the future is negative in expectation, but it’s best for them to work on pleasure or some other good.
Symmetric utilitarians might sometimes try to improve a situation by creating lots of happy individuals rather than addressing any of the suffering, and someone with suffering-focused views (including NU) might find this pointless and lacking in compassion for those who suffer.