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If they've invented utilitarianism, why do they use that exact term so often? Seems like EAs are actually pretty familiar with the history of utilitarian thoug
by henryaj 3y ago
If they've invented utilitarianism, why do they use that exact term so often?
Seems like EAs are actually pretty familiar with the history of utilitarian thought. Much EA discourse focuses on moral philosophy and meta-ethics. Will MacAskill, well-known EA, is a professor of moral philosophy.
Deontology has its problems too.
- yboris 3y agoIt's worth to look at the track record of utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham, often regarded as the founder of classical utilitarianism, almost 300 years ago, was arguing in favor of women's rights, decriminalization of homosexuality, abolition of slavery, animal welfare, prison reform. https://www.utilitarianism.net/utilitarian-thinker/jeremy-bentham/ https://www.utilitarianism.net/utilitarian-thinker/jeremy-be...
- henryaj 3y agoAgreed - Bentham is a hero.