Not directly, there is no fixed “preference mapping” from minds to preferences that works in general. We can only hope for one that works for humans, constructed for searching preference of humans, because it won’t need to work for any almost-humans or not-humans-at-all. I look at a mind and see that its preference is X, you look at the same mind and say it’s Y. There is no factual disagreement, the sense of “preference” was different; and if it was the same, the purpose was lost.
Well, yes; it’s not straightforward to go from brains to preferences. But for any particular definition of preference, a given brain’s “preference” is just a fact about that brain. If this is true, it’s important to understanding morality/ethics/volition.
This seems… confused. The is-ought distinction is the distinction between preference and fact.
“Preferences” are also facts about minds.
Not directly, there is no fixed “preference mapping” from minds to preferences that works in general. We can only hope for one that works for humans, constructed for searching preference of humans, because it won’t need to work for any almost-humans or not-humans-at-all. I look at a mind and see that its preference is X, you look at the same mind and say it’s Y. There is no factual disagreement, the sense of “preference” was different; and if it was the same, the purpose was lost.
Well, yes; it’s not straightforward to go from brains to preferences. But for any particular definition of preference, a given brain’s “preference” is just a fact about that brain. If this is true, it’s important to understanding morality/ethics/volition.
Hello! You seem to know your way around already, but it doesn’t hurt to introduce yourself on the Welcome page...