MichaelBishop comments on Rationality Quotes - June 2009 - Less Wrong

8 Post author: pjeby 14 June 2009 10:00PM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (168)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: orthonormal 15 June 2009 07:42:08PM 0 points [-]

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).

Comment author: MichaelBishop 16 June 2009 08:44:14PM 0 points [-]

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.

Comment author: orthonormal 16 June 2009 10:28:17PM 1 point [-]

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").

Comment author: MichaelBishop 16 June 2009 11:03:44PM 0 points [-]

thanks.