First, pausing executions matters more now (if there is a meaningful chance of radical life extension or longevity escape velocity) than a pause would without the possibility, because it could save 200 or infinite or whatever years of human life vs say 40 years for a 35 year old. You’re right that this is geared towards those already opposed to capital punishment, but I think that’s ok. It just raises the stakes of every death in the interim.
Second, ASI itself might lead to less retributive thinking, especially if one believes that retribution stems from an improper understanding of free will and blameworthiness, and thinks that improved cognition through ASI enabled cognitive enhancement will allow people to understand more clearly. I am not certain this is true, but if I had to bet, would bet >50% that a smarter population after ASI would be less retributive.
This is reasonable I think. Two thoughts:
First, pausing executions matters more now (if there is a meaningful chance of radical life extension or longevity escape velocity) than a pause would without the possibility, because it could save 200 or infinite or whatever years of human life vs say 40 years for a 35 year old. You’re right that this is geared towards those already opposed to capital punishment, but I think that’s ok. It just raises the stakes of every death in the interim.
Second, ASI itself might lead to less retributive thinking, especially if one believes that retribution stems from an improper understanding of free will and blameworthiness, and thinks that improved cognition through ASI enabled cognitive enhancement will allow people to understand more clearly. I am not certain this is true, but if I had to bet, would bet >50% that a smarter population after ASI would be less retributive.