“Through mind alteration?” Yes. I think there are already (very) early signs of mind alteration in terms of GLP1s effect on addiction, I would expect more things along those lines.
“Some people just seem to really like retribution. I don’t know why; I personally think it’s stupid. But I don’t think my view has anything to do with determinism, and I doubt their view has anything to do with a lack of it.” Hmmmm, I disagree here but am open to being convinced. Most people’s moral intuition for retribution seems to stem from the idea that a criminal chose to break the law, and so deserves punishment. A proper understanding of causation and determinism would seem to negate the idea that criminals have meaningfully chosen in any sense worthy of punishment.
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.