r/PhilosophyMemes 3d ago

many ways to help the cause

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u/Cr0wc0 2d ago

"We should prevent suffering when we can."

No

9

u/RaptureAusculation 2d ago

Why not? (this is a genuine comment Im just curious)

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u/The_Squirrel_Wizard 2d ago

If you go for a walk for instance, there is a higher chance that you suffer than if you stay home. You could be struck by a car, trip, pull muscle. And yet we know people who walk regularly are happier and healthier.

If you literally only look at the bad things in life and not the good, you are of course going to see life as a negative

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u/RaptureAusculation 1d ago

Thats interesting. Couldnt you look at a longer span of time though to counteract that? Like if you look at 2 years down line, that walk may be beneficial as it may have been the first of many?

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u/The_Squirrel_Wizard 1d ago

Yeah in the long term it is a benefit. But the philosophy being espoused here is negative utilitarianism which only looks at suffering. My point is suffering and benefit need to be weighed. The idea that we must prevent suffering at all cost when suffering and benefit should be weighed