Moral uncertainty (Will MacAskill)

Abstract

There is a need to consider moral uncertainty when making decisions, just as empirical uncertainty is considered in decision theory. The application of expected utility theory to moral choices is explored, including different moral theories and degrees of confidence in those theories. The issue of comparing stakes across different moral theories is examined, as well as the possibility of incomparable theories. A proposed formal system is presented that allows for more reasonable decision-making in the face of moral uncertainty, even across incomparable theories. Disagreement among philosophers regarding the importance of addressing moral uncertainty is acknowledged, and alternative views are briefly discussed. – AI-generated abstract.