Paul W's Shortform

post by Paul W · 2025-04-15T15:10:35.296Z · LW · GW · 1 comments

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comment by Paul W · 2025-04-15T15:10:35.296Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

The Von Neumann-Morgenstern paradigm allows for binary utility functions, i.e. functions that are equal to 1 on some event/(measurable) set of outcomes, and to 0 on the complement. Said event could be, for instance "no global catastrophe for humanity in time period X".
Of course, you can implement some form of deontology by multiplying such a binary utility function with something like exp(- bad actions you take).

Any thoughts on this observation?