zero_call comments on Woo! - Less Wrong

7 Post author: BenAlbahari 21 February 2010 08:19AM

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Comment author: JGWeissman 23 February 2010 03:08:12AM 1 point [-]

The problem is that the object of description is changed by merely being quoted on TakeOnIt. It is taken out of its context (possibly including supporting arguments), and presented as if it were the response to a question. (Fortunately, it does link to the source of the quote, which may provide context, but this relies on users actually following the link.) There is potential for bias in selecting what argument to quote as evidence that an expert holds a particular opinion, especially since a strongly stated conclusion is better for purposes of demonstrating that the expert has a given opinion, than the detailed arguments and evidence that support that conclusion. An accurate label on the quote could inaccurately reflect on the expert and the validity of their opinion.

TakeOnIt is not a good resource for determining what arguments and evidence support an expert's opinion. Documenting woo types is an inaccurate signal that it should be used as such a resource. To avoid tricking people by quoting misleading rhetoric, it may be best to explicitly only quote statements of conclusion and exclude the arguments.

Comment author: zero_call 23 February 2010 03:29:32AM 0 points [-]

If this interpretation of TakeOnIt is correct, I can't see the website being very useful. Pure conclusions count little or nothing for me -- it's all about the argument.

Comment author: JGWeissman 23 February 2010 03:49:42AM 1 point [-]

It is valuable for evaluating experts based on their ability to reach accurate conclusions. See The Correct Contrarian Cluster.

And you can, of course, follow the citation to link to the full argument.

Comment author: BenAlbahari 23 February 2010 03:41:25AM 1 point [-]

TakeOnIt has a separate construct for specific arguments supporting a position. Look at the arguments tab on the Global Warming debate or Cryonics debate:

http://www.takeonit.com/question/5.aspx
http://www.takeonit.com/question/318.aspx

The arguments tab works by connecting questions together via logical implications, such that the answer to one question implies the answer to another.

In comparison, pitches are just a way to mark up quotes such that well known persuasion patterns can be identified.