PhilGoetz comments on The power of information? - Less Wrong

0 Post author: PhilGoetz 13 October 2009 01:07AM

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Comment author: PhilGoetz 14 October 2009 01:47:44AM 1 point [-]

instead of conclusions like "Starting conditions x,y,z, lead to a singleton" you'll get conclusions like "Starting conditions x,y,z, given assumptions a,b,c about the relation of information to power, lead to a singleton." The second option is harder and less conclusive. But it is also less wrong.

Okay; good point. I would still want to gather the data, though, to compare to the model results.

One implication of the theory is that technological advancement can actually undermine an agents position in a multi-polar system. If Agent A develops an offensive weapon that guarantees victory if Agent A strikes first then other agents are basically forced to attack preemptively and likely gang up on Agent A.

Tell that to the Iranians.