“The Value of Consciousness as a Pivotal Question” by Derek Shiller

Context Longtermists point out that the scale of our potential for impact is far greater if we are able to influence the course of a long future, as we could change the circumstances of a tremendous number of lives. One potential avenue for long-term influence involves spreading values that persist and shape the futures that our descendants choose to build. There is some reason to expect that future moral values will be stable. Many groups have preferences about the world beyond their backyard. They should work to ensure that their values are shared by those who can help bring them about. Changes in the values that future groups support will lead to changes in the protections for the things we care about. If our values concern how our descendants will act, then we should aim to create institutions that promote those values. If we are successful in promoting those [...] ---Outline:(00:04) Context(01:39) Controversy(08:45) Scale(12:33) AcknowledgmentsThe original text contained 3 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. The original text contained 1 image which was described by AI. --- First published: July 3rd, 2024 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/C652FAbbnSrJWumhH/the-value-of-consciousness-as-a-pivotal-question --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.