Quality of life versus quantity of life - Revision history

Fractalguy: /* Genes Versus Brains */

2025-02-21T17:24:47Z

Genes Versus Brains

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 21 February 2025
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	== Genes Versus Brains ==		== Genes Versus Brains ==

	In the pursuit of [[happiness and well-being]], [[longevity]] and [[reproduction]] are the [[evolutionary]] ''ends'', but the ''means'' is a [[brain]] and body that is capable of more nuance. What is it worth to extend life at all costs, if doing so only creates pain and hardship? This fundamental dichotomy between the [[goal]] of our genes versus the goal of our [[brains]] is at the heart of the biggest moral controversies of our [[time]]: [[abortion]], [[euthanasia]], [[war]], [[overpopulation]] and the [[death penalty]]. It is also a driver of opinions regarding things [[like]] [[income inequality]], [[sexual]] permissiveness, [[social safety nets]], and [[Slack\|work/life balance]].		In the pursuit of [[happiness and well-being]], [[longevity]] and [[reproduction]] are the [[evolutionary]] ''ends'', but the ''means'' is a [[brain]] and body that is capable of more nuance. What is it worth to extend life at all costs, if doing so only creates [[Suffering\|pain and hardship]]? This fundamental dichotomy between the [[goal]] of our genes versus the goal of our [[brains]] is at the heart of the biggest moral controversies of our [[time]]: [[abortion]], [[euthanasia]], [[war]], [[overpopulation]] and the [[death penalty]]. It is also a driver of opinions regarding things [[like]] [[income inequality]], [[sexual]] permissiveness, [[social safety nets]], and [[Slack\|work/life balance]].

	== Applied to the Issues ==		== Applied to the Issues ==

Fractalguy at 14:55, 20 February 2025

2025-02-20T14:55:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 20 February 2025
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	In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]?		In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]?

	This is ~~one of~~ our [[primal world beliefs]] that ~~shape~~ how we view [[everything]].		This [[perspective]] is similar to our [[primal world beliefs]] that form the [[generating equation]] for how we view [[everything]]. While none of the [[Primal world beliefs\|26 Primal World Beliefs]] specifically address the quality versus quantity dichotomy, it represents fundamental difference in the approach to [[ethics]] and [[politics]] that people take. It can be considered a primal [[ethical]] concern, compared to a [[Primal world beliefs\|primal world belief]].

	== Genes Versus Brains ==		== Genes Versus Brains ==

Fractalguy at 12:36, 20 February 2025

2025-02-20T12:36:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 20 February 2025
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	In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]?		In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]?

	This is one of our [~~https://myprimals.com/ Primal World Beliefs~~] that shape how we view [[everything]].		This is one of our [[primal world beliefs]] that shape how we view [[everything]].

	== Genes Versus Brains ==		== Genes Versus Brains ==

Fractalguy at 12:34, 20 February 2025

2025-02-20T12:34:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:34, 20 February 2025
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	[[File:Quality-of-life-versus-quantity-of-life-balance-happiness.jpg\|thumb\|Quality matters in life]]		[[File:Quality-of-life-versus-quantity-of-life-balance-happiness.jpg\|thumb\|Quality matters in life]]
	In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]?		In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]?

			This is one of our [https://myprimals.com/ Primal World Beliefs] that shape how we view [[everything]].

	== Genes Versus Brains ==		== Genes Versus Brains ==

Fractalguy: /* The Generating Equation for Progress */

2025-02-15T03:02:52Z

The Generating Equation for Progress

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:02, 15 February 2025
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	== The Generating Equation for Progress ==		== The Generating Equation for Progress ==

	In [[fractal]] terms, the question of Quantity versus Quality is the fundamental difference in the [[generating equation]] between [[progressive]] and [[conservative]] modern [[culture]]. Our [[society]] is transitioning from one that had broad consensus around ''Quantity of Life'' for centuries, to one that has the general education levels to take on the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' approach. [[Society]] will eventually reach consensus again, but only if the fundamental question is addressed directly.		In [[fractal]] terms, the question of Quantity versus Quality is the fundamental difference in the [[generating equation]] between [[progressive]] and [[conservative]] modern [[culture]]. Our [[society]] is transitioning from one that had broad consensus around ''Quantity of Life'' for centuries, to one that has the general [[education]] levels to take on the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' approach. [[Society]] will eventually reach consensus again, but only if the fundamental question is addressed directly.

	Another way to look at it is that humanity is slowing [[working]] it's way through the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg%27s_stages_of_moral_development Kohlberg stages of moral development] where improving [[education]] causes each new generation to have a higher percentage of the population achieve the post-conventional stages, corresponding to the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' [[philosophy]].		Another way to look at it is that humanity is slowing [[working]] it's way through the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg%27s_stages_of_moral_development Kohlberg stages of moral development] where improving [[education]] causes each new generation to have a higher percentage of the population achieve the post-conventional stages, corresponding to the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' [[philosophy]].
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	== We're Actually on the Same Side ==		== We're Actually on the Same Side ==

	Ultimately the Quantity of Life position is in service of Quality of Life, and vice versa. The only difference is the misapplication of the [[moral trump card]], which puts infinite [[moral]] value on the lives of [[theoretical people]]. People on both sides of the issue are trying to create a [[society]] that maximizes [[happiness]] and differ only on the relative [[moral]] value of certain actions. Therefore, we can focus on demonstrating how the [[moral trump card]] is illogical, rather than [[subjective]] topics like "when does life begin?"		Ultimately the Quantity of Life position is in service of Quality of Life, and vice versa. The only difference is the misapplication of the [[moral trump card]], which puts infinite [[moral]] value on the lives of [[theoretical people]].

			People on both sides of the issue are trying to create a [[society]] that maximizes [[happiness]] and differ only on the relative [[moral]] value of certain actions. Therefore, we can focus on demonstrating how the [[moral trump card]] is illogical, rather than [[subjective]] topics like "when does life begin?"

	== Quality Videos ==		== Quality Videos ==
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	== Quality Music ==		== Quality Music ==
	The vast quantity of music made available by streaming platforms has improved the quality of our lives.		The vast quantity of [[music]] made available by streaming [[platforms]] has improved the quality of our lives.

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stiSxpvjoAU\|\|center\|Bad Religion - Quality or Quantity\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stiSxpvjoAU\|\|center\|Bad Religion - Quality or Quantity\|frame}}

Fractalguy: /* Quality Music */

2025-02-15T02:57:22Z

Quality Music

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:57, 15 February 2025
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	== Quality Music ==		== Quality Music ==
	The vast quantity of music made available by streaming platforms has improved the quality of our lives.{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stiSxpvjoAU\|\|center\|Bad Religion - Quality or Quantity\|frame}}		The vast quantity of music made available by streaming platforms has improved the quality of our lives.

			{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stiSxpvjoAU\|\|center\|Bad Religion - Quality or Quantity\|frame}}
			<br>
			{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PldRBwXQEU\|\|center\|STRFKR - Quality Time\|frame}}
			<br>
			{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgpDN-bARwc\|\|center\|Jurrasic 5 - Quality Control\|frame}}

Fractalguy: /* Quality Videos */

2025-02-15T02:56:04Z

Quality Videos

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 15 February 2025
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	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYNjXRVFnTc\|\|center\|Quality of Life - What Matters to You?\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYNjXRVFnTc\|\|center\|Quality of Life - What Matters to You?\|frame}}
	~~<br>~~
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stiSxpvjoAU\|\|center\|Bad Religion - Quality or Quantity\|frame}}		== Quality Music ==
			The vast quantity of music made available by streaming platforms has improved the quality of our lives.{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stiSxpvjoAU\|\|center\|Bad Religion - Quality or Quantity\|frame}}

Fractalguy: /* We're Actually on the Same Side */

2025-02-15T02:52:04Z

We're Actually on the Same Side

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:52, 15 February 2025
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	== We're Actually on the Same Side ==		== We're Actually on the Same Side ==

	Ultimately the Quantity of Life position is in service of Quality of Life. The only difference is the misapplication of the [[moral trump card]], which puts infinite [[moral]] value on the lives of [[theoretical people]]. People on both sides of the issue are trying to create a [[society]] that maximizes [[happiness]] and differ only on the relative [[moral]] value of certain actions. Therefore, we can focus on demonstrating how the [[moral trump card]] is illogical, rather than [[subjective]] topics like "when does life begin?"		Ultimately the Quantity of Life position is in service of Quality of Life, and vice versa. The only difference is the misapplication of the [[moral trump card]], which puts infinite [[moral]] value on the lives of [[theoretical people]]. People on both sides of the issue are trying to create a [[society]] that maximizes [[happiness]] and differ only on the relative [[moral]] value of certain actions. Therefore, we can focus on demonstrating how the [[moral trump card]] is illogical, rather than [[subjective]] topics like "when does life begin?"

	== Quality Videos ==		== Quality Videos ==

Fractalguy at 02:43, 15 February 2025

2025-02-15T02:43:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:43, 15 February 2025
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	[[File:Quality-of-life-versus-quantity-of-life-balance-happiness.jpg\|thumb\|Quality matters in life]]		[[File:Quality-of-life-versus-quantity-of-life-balance-happiness.jpg\|thumb\|Quality matters in life]]
	In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]? ~~<blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>~~		In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]?

	== Genes Versus Brains ==		== Genes Versus Brains ==

Fractalguy: Links

2025-02-15T02:22:06Z

Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:22, 15 February 2025
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	[[File:Quality-of-life-versus-quantity-of-life-balance-happiness.jpg\|thumb\|Quality matters in life]]		[[File:Quality-of-life-versus-quantity-of-life-balance-happiness.jpg\|thumb\|Quality matters in life]]
	In any moral system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are logically the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]? <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>		In any [[moral]] system, the big issues get top billing. [[Life]], [[death]], [[sex]] and [[children]] are [[logically]] the big issues for any [[conscious]], [[self-replicating]], and [[self-organizing]] collection of atoms. Does that mean that pursuing a [[Longevity\|longer life]] and having more [[children]] is [[Moral trump card\|always good]]? Or is there a more nuanced [[perspective]] on [[Utilitarian\|what is best]]? <blockquote>''"The quality of life is more important than life itself."'' -[[wikipedia:Alexis_Carrel\|Alexis Carrel]] </blockquote>

	== Genes Versus Brains ==		== Genes Versus Brains ==

	In the pursuit of [[happiness and well-being]], [[longevity]] and [[reproduction]] are the evolutionary ''ends'', but the ''means'' is a [[brain]] and body that is capable of more nuance. What is it worth to extend life at all costs, if doing so only creates pain and hardship? This fundamental dichotomy between the goal of our genes versus the goal of our [[brains]] is at the heart of the biggest moral controversies of our time: [[abortion]], [[euthanasia]], [[war]], [[overpopulation]] and the [[death penalty]]. It is also a driver of opinions regarding things like income inequality, sexual permissiveness, social safety nets, and work/life balance.		In the pursuit of [[happiness and well-being]], [[longevity]] and [[reproduction]] are the [[evolutionary]] ''ends'', but the ''means'' is a [[brain]] and body that is capable of more nuance. What is it worth to extend life at all costs, if doing so only creates pain and hardship? This fundamental dichotomy between the [[goal]] of our genes versus the goal of our [[brains]] is at the heart of the biggest moral controversies of our [[time]]: [[abortion]], [[euthanasia]], [[war]], [[overpopulation]] and the [[death penalty]]. It is also a driver of opinions regarding things [[like]] [[income inequality]], [[sexual]] permissiveness, [[social safety nets]], and [[Slack\|work/life balance]].

	== Applied to the Issues ==		== Applied to the Issues ==

	Take the example of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Catholic Church] which applies its [[moral absolutes]] consistently, "Thou shalt not kill" is given as a [[moral trump card]]. Therefore, [[abortion]], [[euthanasia]] and the [[death penalty]] are all against their moral code, and [[war]] is generally frowned upon except for the occasional [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades crusade] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_and_Nazi_Germany_during_World_War_II Hitler]. In all of these cases, the common thread is that the greatest good, so great that no justification can ever be given, is the extension of life at all costs. In other words "quantity of life".		Take the example of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Catholic Church] which applies its [[moral absolutes]] consistently, "Thou shalt not kill" is given as a [[moral trump card]]. Therefore, [[abortion]], [[euthanasia]] and the [[death penalty]] are all against their moral code, and [[war]] is generally frowned upon except for the occasional [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades crusade] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_and_Nazi_Germany_during_World_War_II Hitler]. In all of these cases, the common thread is that the greatest [[good]], so great that no justification can ever be given, is the extension of life at all costs. In other [[words]] "quantity of life".

	The opposing viewpoint is that in certain circumstances, [[happiness and well-being]] is enhanced by things like not having an incest baby at 13, or dying naturally instead of spending years in constant pain and round the clock medical attention. In these cases the common thread is that the impact on "quality of life" must be the most important consideration in these [[moral]] decisions.		The opposing viewpoint is that in certain circumstances, [[happiness and well-being]] is enhanced by things like not having an incest baby at 13, or dying naturally instead of spending years in constant pain and round the clock medical attention. In these cases the common thread is that the impact on "quality of life" must be the most important consideration in these [[moral]] decisions.
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	== Quality of Life and Overpopulation ==		== Quality of Life and Overpopulation ==

	Check out the [[population]] page for a discussion of [[overpopulation]] issues and their impact on quality of life. For a detailed analysis using [[utilitarian]] ethical calculus, read [https://www.stafforini.com/docs/parfit_-_overpopulation_and_the_quality_of_life.pdf this article by Derek Parfit (PDF)].		Check out the [[population]] page for a discussion of [[overpopulation]] issues and their impact on quality of life. For a detailed analysis using [[utilitarian]] [[ethical]] calculus, read [https://www.stafforini.com/docs/parfit_-_overpopulation_and_the_quality_of_life.pdf this article by Derek Parfit (PDF)].

	== The Generating Equation for Progress ==		== The Generating Equation for Progress ==

	In [[fractal]] terms, the question of Quantity versus Quality is the fundamental difference in the [[generating equation]] between [[progressive]] and conservative modern [[culture]]. Our [[society]] is transitioning from one that had broad consensus around ''Quantity of Life'' for centuries, to one that has the general education levels to take on the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' approach. [[Society]] will eventually reach consensus again, but only if the fundamental question is addressed directly.		In [[fractal]] terms, the question of Quantity versus Quality is the fundamental difference in the [[generating equation]] between [[progressive]] and [[conservative]] modern [[culture]]. Our [[society]] is transitioning from one that had broad consensus around ''Quantity of Life'' for centuries, to one that has the general education levels to take on the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' approach. [[Society]] will eventually reach consensus again, but only if the fundamental question is addressed directly.

	Another way to look at it is that humanity is slowing working it's way through the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg%27s_stages_of_moral_development Kohlberg stages of moral development] where improving [[education]] causes each new generation to have a higher percentage of the population achieve the post-conventional stages, corresponding to the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' philosophy.		Another way to look at it is that humanity is slowing [[working]] it's way through the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg%27s_stages_of_moral_development Kohlberg stages of moral development] where improving [[education]] causes each new generation to have a higher percentage of the population achieve the post-conventional stages, corresponding to the more nuanced ''Quality of Life'' [[philosophy]].

	== We're Actually on the Same Side ==		== We're Actually on the Same Side ==