xamdam comments on A Rational Education - Less Wrong

12 Post author: wedrifid 23 June 2010 05:48AM

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Comment author: xamdam 23 June 2010 05:35:42PM *  1 point [-]

This is not a specific advice, more of an algorithm.

My assumptions are that:

  • Out of 6 or so "educational packages" you suggest you're probably more attracted to 2-3.
  • Since you seem to have found your source of income, and music/film is not one of the choices (all of the choices have expected value of "hirable, can make a living"), epistemic considerations should be more important to you than instrumental.

So here is my algorithm:

  • Do some more research on the remaining 3-4 and either discard them or move them into top 2-3.
  • For the top 2-3, find the profs that are supposedly good in that department, and get in their face. Pick the one that's most appealing.

The output of this algorithm is that you're going to be stronger at some aspect of rationality than other. This is inevitable giving your framing of the problem "getting a degree in X". It's also just fine, I think, you can usually leverage strength in one area to good use.

One (last?) thing to consider is that your framing of the problem might get in the way of achieving your goals. If you chose to pursue a degree at a specific institution you are quite limited in your options are to start with. A second alternative might be to construct a curriculum from what's available on line, freely or for a relatively small payment. There is a ton of top-notch material available on

There is also a paid option of taking courses at, for example, Stanford, either auditing (cheap) or taking them for credit (not so cheap, but still cheaper than being a full-time student in the US). The later option might be more suitable if you are using schoold attendence as and anti-akrasia weapon. I took some courses there and can recommend some.

Comment author: wedrifid 23 June 2010 07:09:57PM -1 points [-]

One (last?) thing to consider is that your framing of the problem might get in the way of achieving your goals.

I was very specific, wasn't I? ;) Thanks for the general strategies. I think I may pass on the Stanford. I don't think that's covered by HECS or AUSTUDY. (You know, some days I almost feel patriotic!)

Comment author: xamdam 23 June 2010 07:23:32PM 0 points [-]

iTunes/YouTube is free. I mentioned Stanford because you can get credits/certificates (or even a degree) that might be motivating and instrumentally useful.

I am curious what you are going to choose and how it works out - so reply to this in 2 years!