…given self-indication we should expect to be in a
finite-probability universe with nearly the max possible number of
observer-moment slots. Such universes seem large enough to have at
least one inflation origin, which then implies at least one (and
perhaps infinitely many) large regions of time-asymmetry like what we
see around us. And if, as it seems, most observer-moments in such universes are in
such regions, then we have explained why we see what we see.
That’s from Robin Hanson, one of the least evil people I have met. I do not have the background to judge this claim but it makes sense to me. The question is whether you are willing to bite the bullet when you realize the other implications of what Robin is postulating, namely that you start dealing with expected values of infinity, most of all in ethics…
By the way, via Andrew Sullivan, here is new evidence for dark energy.
What does “least evil” feel like if we are not in one of those large regions of time-asymmetry?
Can someone explain what this means to ignoramuses like us?
It’s been a while since I did any calculus, but can’t you have different size infinities pretty easily? If you’re comparing the limits of X and X-squared as X goes to infinity, X-squared will always be larger. Couldn’t you handle various infinite utility equations using limits?
I don’t think it works, for reasons that I pointed out in a comment at OB (currently in moderation for excessive number of links). For background, see Boltzmann’s Anthropic Brain or this Arrow of Time FAQ.
…given self-indication we should expect to be in a finite-probability universe with nearly the max possible number of observer-moment slots. Such universes seem large enough to have at least one inflation origin, which then implies at least one (and perhaps infinitely many) large regions of time-asymmetry like what we see around us. And if, as it seems, most observer-moments in such universes are in such regions, then we have explained why we see what we see.
If we replaced the above by “God” do we lose any explanatory power?
why don’t we just use the surreal numbers for ethics? if real numbers aren’t enough for electrical engineering we shouldn’t assume they are enough for ethics.
one of the least evil people I have met.
the infinite running gag.
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