JesseGalef comments on Welcome to Less Wrong! (2010-2011) - Less Wrong

42 Post author: orthonormal 12 August 2010 01:08AM

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Comment author: pedanterrific 18 October 2011 04:29:24AM *  2 points [-]

Bienvenidos, Jesse!

"Does it make sense to call a particular persuasion technique unethical? Or does it entirely depend on how it's used?"

You may or may not be aware, but this has been discussed at some length around these parts; Dark Arts is an okay summary. (Edit: A particularly good post on the subject is NTLing.) If you've already read it and think the topic could stand more elaboration, though, I'm with you.

Oh, and "professional atheist"? Totally awesome.

Comment author: JesseGalef 18 October 2011 04:41:48AM 0 points [-]

Thanks for the tip!

I've come across some of this material, but haven't read it in a systematic way. I very occasionally refer to persuasion as 'the dark arts' - I think that phrase/connection came from LW originally.

Earlier this year I gave a talk on the psychology of persuasion, synthesizing some of the fascinating studies that have been done. Rather than present the most blatant techniques as manipulation, I framed them as known weaknesses in our minds that could be exploited if we weren't wary and aware. Thus: defense against dark arts. Combining rationality and Harry Potter! Hey, that would be a great fanfiction! (Yes, I'm aware of Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality and have done my best to spread it far and wide.)

Thanks for the support regarding my job: I've loved doing it and hope to do more for the secular movement!

Comment author: pedanterrific 18 October 2011 05:33:24AM 1 point [-]

Are you volunteering for the post of LessWrong's DADA professor? The space is open if you want it, though Yvain has previously submitted an application. It should also be noted that a certain someone doesn't seem interested in the job (probably a good thing, on balance).

Comment author: JesseGalef 18 October 2011 05:34:46AM 4 points [-]

That depends - would I die horribly and mysteriously after a year?

Comment author: pedanterrific 18 October 2011 05:39:29AM 1 point [-]

No, of course not! Whatever gave you that idea?

(You might be found in a closet with three fifth-year Hansonians, though...)

Comment author: lessdazed 18 October 2011 04:56:03AM 1 point [-]

I think the best approach is to read the sequence on a Human's Guide to Words before subject specific material.

In particular at least the first nine (until Neural Categories) and also Categorizing Has Consequences Where to Draw the Boundary and Words as Mental Paintbrush Handles.

Comment author: pedanterrific 18 October 2011 05:35:33AM 0 points [-]

/clears throat suggestively

The "A Human's Guide to Words" sequence was invaluable in shaping my understanding and practice.