RedErin t1_j4ozjao wrote on January 17, 2023 at 6:18 AM

Reply to comment by arachnivore in Singularity Mods removed this post about Nick Bostrom defending eugenics by arachnivore

if it were available via govt subsidies, would it be ethical for parents to increase their child’s empathy or intelligence

arachnivore OP t1_j4p1lal wrote on January 17, 2023 at 6:41 AM

I think that's a very good question and I think a smart person would realize that such ideas tread into problematic territory. I would hope that people working in the field would be very aware of the problematic history of eugenics and would understand complicated terrain they tread.

Nick Bostrom seems to believe that exercising caution in the exploration of such powerful technology is getting in the way of important science. He seems to think that scientists shouldn't be burdened with such silly things like how their work might negatively impact society or how they might be able to communicate their ideas without using racial slurs or whatever.

RedErin t1_j4qaclj wrote on January 17, 2023 at 2:54 PM

I was definitely shocked to read that email. But I found his apology acceptable. And yeah, I'm probably biased, cause I've enjoyed a lot of his work.

Jennifer Doudna (creator of CRISPR) wrote a book about the subject of genetic engineering and while she does caution against misuse of the tech, she thinks much more good can come of it.

arachnivore OP t1_j4oztbz wrote on January 17, 2023 at 6:21 AM

That's a good question! Don't let the mods catch you asking it! Apparently it's not ok to discuss this shit on r/singularity

According to Nick Bostrom, the inability to spout racist bullshit in academic circles without repercussions is preventing such discussions... somehow...