BenAlbahari comments on What is bunk? - Less Wrong

20 [deleted] 08 May 2010 06:06PM

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Comment author: JGWeissman 09 May 2010 06:17:07PM 2 points [-]

First, note that I'm not saying one should censor Chopra, merely that he's not worth including for this sort of thing. That's not "silencing" by any reasonable definition.

It should be noted that TakeOnIt is setup to allow the general public to suggest expert quotes, and with a short track record as a non-spammer, people get promoted to moderator status, and can directly add a quote. So some members of TakeOnIt are impressed with Chopra, and it would be counterproductive censorship to say that they are not allowed to add his quotes. What we get in exchange for allowing this is that the general public is helping to build the database of expert opinions, and may even include real experts that we would not have known to look at.

Or again consider Benjamin Franklin, whose opinion on cryonics I'm sympathetic with but whom just didn't have any knowledge that would justify considering his opinion worthy of weight.

Franklin's quote is more about cryonics being good if it were feasible than if it is feasible. Ben, do you think it should be moved to this question?

Comment author: BenAlbahari 09 May 2010 06:26:56PM *  0 points [-]

Franklin's quote is more about cryonics being good if it were feasible than if it is feasible. Ben, do you think it should be moved to this question?

Good call.