One thing to consider is that the job will be filled by someone, perhaps without your moral scruples/​EA perspective. Is there any benefit to the world by having you or someone with your moral views in that position? Is it likely that the difference in effectiveness between you and the counterfactual will be high (if not, maybe take it and ETG).
I’ve found Replaceability (Paul Christiano, 2013) an interesting exploration of the different levels this question can take on. Takeaway: It’s complicated, but you’re less replaceable than you think.
I see people disagree with me. I can see a lot of bases on which people would disagree and it would be interesting to see which ones apply.
Because OP’s job is technical rather than policy oriented, it is unlikely that a difference in character in the person doing the job would make a difference in outcomes. I might agree in a context where there the occupant of the job might be able to make a difference in policy choice.
Taking a job and supporting a morally wrong industry is wrong regardless of whether the same wrong would result counterfactually.
There are reasons to believe the counterfactual of OP taking the job would be better (for instance, OP might be significantly more competent than the one who would be counterfactually hired).
Thanks, my honest guess is that the counterfactual job acceptor would be more competent and effective than me, though it seems a bit weird to accept it on that basis haha
One thing to consider is that the job will be filled by someone, perhaps without your moral scruples/​EA perspective. Is there any benefit to the world by having you or someone with your moral views in that position? Is it likely that the difference in effectiveness between you and the counterfactual will be high (if not, maybe take it and ETG).
I’ve found Replaceability (Paul Christiano, 2013) an interesting exploration of the different levels this question can take on. Takeaway: It’s complicated, but you’re less replaceable than you think.
I see people disagree with me. I can see a lot of bases on which people would disagree and it would be interesting to see which ones apply.
Because OP’s job is technical rather than policy oriented, it is unlikely that a difference in character in the person doing the job would make a difference in outcomes. I might agree in a context where there the occupant of the job might be able to make a difference in policy choice.
Taking a job and supporting a morally wrong industry is wrong regardless of whether the same wrong would result counterfactually.
There are reasons to believe the counterfactual of OP taking the job would be better (for instance, OP might be significantly more competent than the one who would be counterfactually hired).
Other reasons? Curious
Thanks, my honest guess is that the counterfactual job acceptor would be more competent and effective than me, though it seems a bit weird to accept it on that basis haha