EA reading list: Paul christiano

Abstract

The document provides a comprehensive reading list focused on suffering-focused ethics, a philosophical approach that prioritizes the reduction of suffering. It features numerous works discussing different aspects of suffering-centered ethics, such as negative utilitarianism and cause prioritization. Included are a variety of key arguments within the field, analyzing the symmetry of happiness and suffering, the importance of experiencing suffering to care for it, and various stands on negative utilitarianism. It also delves into the role of suffering in non-human entities such as wild and insect life. Additional suggested readings give a broad understanding of the discussion around suffering-focused ethics, including considerations of tranquilism and the energy efficiency of pleasure and pain. Accompanying these readings are discussions and defences of suffering-focused ethics and their implications, providing a holistic understanding of this particular ethical viewpoint – AI-generated abstract.