hyporational comments on Shut Up And Guess - Less Wrong

79 Post author: Yvain 21 July 2009 04:04AM

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Comment author: hyporational 06 January 2014 09:23:57AM 0 points [-]

Considering our evolutionary history, why would such an action look foolish? If you come up with a just so story, consider making up a similar story for the alternative.

Comment author: brazil84 06 January 2014 10:14:42AM 1 point [-]

Considering our evolutionary history, why would such an action look foolish?

Well do you agree it looks more foolish to be wrong than to say "I don't know."?

Comment author: hyporational 06 January 2014 11:36:11AM 1 point [-]

Depends on the context. If guessing is clearly useful, then not guessing might be seen as foolish.

Comment author: brazil84 06 January 2014 01:58:59PM 0 points [-]

Depends on the context

Well that's true of pretty much any generalization about human nature. Let me put the question slightly differently:

Do you agree that generally speaking it looks more foolish to be wrong than to say "I don't know."?

Comment author: hyporational 06 January 2014 04:09:59PM 0 points [-]

Sure.

Comment author: brazil84 07 January 2014 12:47:31AM 0 points [-]

Sure.

Ok, why do you think so? I think it's because being wrong undermines your credibility and/or reputation for competence.

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