80,000 Hours Podcast

#138 Classic episode – Sharon Hewitt Rawlette on why pleasure and pain are the only things that intrinsically matter

52 snips
Jan 22, 2025
Sharon Hewitt Rawlette, a philosopher and author, explores the intrinsic values of pleasure and pain. She argues that positive feelings are fundamentally valuable, while suffering holds negative intrinsic worth. The conversation dives into the historical evolution of hedonism, the complexities of moral truths, and the balance between intrinsic and instrumental values. Rawlette also examines how personal experiences shape morality and decision-making, questioning the role of genuine connections beyond mere emotional benefits.
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INSIGHT

Intrinsic Value's Importance

  • All efforts to improve the world require a stance on intrinsic value.
  • Intrinsic values are the bedrock of our actions, reached by repeatedly asking "why?".
INSIGHT

Metaethics' Core Question

  • Metaethics explores if objective moral truths exist or if morality is subjective.
  • It examines how we gain moral knowledge and the nature of ethical discussions.
INSIGHT

Moral Disagreements as Puzzles

  • Moral puzzles arise from disagreements about good and bad actions.
  • Reflecting on differing beliefs prompts questions about adjudication and objectivity.
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