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orthonormal comments on Rationality Quotes - June 2009 - Less Wrong
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Comments (168)
In certain contexts, I take ceteris paribus to serve the same social function as "IMHO", and I do not interpret it literally. In particular, I think Michael would have been displeased by the inclusion of a quote from Moldbug no matter how interesting or pithy it was on its own (and probably more displeased by quotes of higher value, as they would serve to raise Moldbug's status further, which Michael believes would be harmful).
I've never heard of that, and I have no idea why you would want to do that. Does anyone else actually use ceteris paribus to mean something like "IMHO"?
Both are often used to imply some measure of humility, in order to ward off criticism when making a statement which one expects to be controverted. Ditto for "It seems to me", etc.
Like thomblake, I'm surprised that someone would read "Ceteris paribus" this way. It is a preemptive way to ward off criticism, yes, but not by expressing humilty, at least not in any use I recall seeing.
Besides, whatever impressions one might give by saying "Ceteris paribus", humility is not one of them. First of all, one is more likely to come across as pompous for using Latin when the English "All else being equal" works just as well. Second, even saying "All else being equal" signals that you've analyzed the phenomenon into many potentially independent parameters. That is, it's a way to claim deeper understanding, which, ceteris paribus, does not signal humility.
fixed spelling
I suppose I don't mean humility so much as some other kind of defense. Among rationalists, perhaps, I should by default presume ceteris paribus means what it says; but outside that realm, e.g,
"All else being equal, Greens are more moral than Blues"
is knowingly used with the connotation
"Greens are more moral than Blues"
and the ceteris paribus only comes into play once the statement is challenged (raising the standard of proof for those who disagree).
But as I admitted to Michael, I should have given him more credence than that.
I used the term ceteris paribus because its literal definition is precisely what I meant. Going forward I will simply write, "all else equal." Ha, here's a chance to use it: All else equal, I prefer people quoting Moldbug choose interesting, pithy, and most importantly, enlightening, quotes. Its true this has the, IMO, unfortunate side effect of increasing Moldbug's status, but I consider that to be of secondary importance.
Note, I was making other points as well, e.g. a quote is more useful to me if people know and respect its author.
Upon further reflection, it was uncharitable of me to disregard your ceteris paribus for the reason I did (which has nothing to do with Latin versus English; I'm one of those who prefer ceteris paribus to "all else equal").
thanks.