X-Message-Number: 30163
References: <>
From: David Stodolsky <>
Subject: Re: satisfaction
Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:59:53 +0100

On 16 Dec 2007, at 17:23,  wrote:

> We want the satisfaction of overcoming dissatisfaction.  Even so, I
> think that long-term or overall satisfaction is currently a   
> reasonable rough
> statement of an individual's basic criterion for action.)

Changing the term doesn't change the problem. First, you must  
operationalize what you mean by 'satisfaction', next you must show  
that it is possible to add up satisfactions over a period in order to  
get a reasonable approach to deciding future action. While there has  
at least been an attempt of operationalize 'happiness', I don't  
believe this has been done for 'satisfaction'. We are really talking  
here about fundamental ethical principles for guiding human action. I  
have posted a literature list on ethics earlier.



>
> Again,
>
>> Change, thus, would have to be a result of  fundamental
>> transformations in the self and  society.
>
> This completely bypasses the main point, which is what  (I, you,  
> he, she)
> should do right now out of the choices available. The whole  point  
> of any valid
> philosophy is how to optimize your personal future. Is it  possible  
> that the
> main effort of an individual should be to try to effect social   
> change? I think
> not for any reasonable person. To change oneself? Yes,  and  
> deciding how best
> that can be done is the primary problem. Part of  the solution is  
> direct and
> relatively simple, to participate in cryonics and  work to promote  
> it in
> practical ways.

These conclusions spring from a certain ethical framework. Any  
argument must first specify what it is.

 From your follow up post:

> Even  so, use of the term
> feel-good has, I believe, the very great merit of putting  the  
> focus where it
> belongs, on the benefit of the individual.

This presumes a philosophical position. Trying to argue from it is an  
error in reasoning - assuming the consequent.


dss


David Stodolsky    Skype: davidstodolsky

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