First of all, a late great filter may be total, while an early great filter (based on the fact of our existence) was not—a reason to prefer the early one.
Secondly, let’s look at the problem from our own perspective. If we knew that there was an Omega simulating us, and that our decision would affect when a great filter happens, even in our past, then this argument could work.
But we have no evidence of that! Omega is an addition to the problem, that completely changes the situation. If I had the button in front of me that said “early partial great filter/no late great filter”, I would press it immeditately, because, updating on the fact of my existence at this time, this button now reads: “(irrelevant unchangeable fact about the past)/no late great filter”. Up until the moment I have evidence that I live in a universe where Omega is indeed simulating me, I have no reason not to press the button.
First of all, a late great filter may be total, while an early great filter (based on the fact of our existence) was not—a reason to prefer the early one.
Secondly, let’s look at the problem from our own perspective. If we knew that there was an Omega simulating us, and that our decision would affect when a great filter happens, even in our past, then this argument could work.
But we have no evidence of that! Omega is an addition to the problem, that completely changes the situation. If I had the button in front of me that said “early partial great filter/no late great filter”, I would press it immeditately, because, updating on the fact of my existence at this time, this button now reads: “(irrelevant unchangeable fact about the past)/no late great filter”. Up until the moment I have evidence that I live in a universe where Omega is indeed simulating me, I have no reason not to press the button.
Hah—two hours after you, and without reading your comment, I come to the same conclusion by analogy to your own post.* :)
* That’s where your ten karma just came from, by the way.