gwern comments on Should I believe what the SIAI claims? - Less Wrong

23 Post author: XiXiDu 12 August 2010 02:33PM

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Comment author: gwern 15 August 2010 11:15:12AM 1 point [-]

I see. Does that actually work for you? (Note that your answer will determine whether I mentally re-categorize you from 'interested open-minded outsider' to 'troll'.)

Comment author: XiXiDu 15 August 2010 11:34:27AM *  4 points [-]

It works against cults and religion in general. I don't argue with them about their religion being not even wrong but rather accept their terms and highlight inconsistencies within their own framework by going as far as I can with one of their arguments and by inquiring about certain aspects based on their own terminology until they are unable to consistently answer or explain where I am wrong.

This also works with the anti GM-food bunch, data protection activists, hippies and many other fringe groups. For example, the data protection bunch concerned with information disclosure on social networks or Google Streetview. Yes, I say, that's bad, burglar could use such services to check out your house! I wonder what evidence there is for the increase of burglary in the countries where Streetview is already available for many years?

Or I tell the anti-gun lobbyists how I support their cause. It's really bad if anyone can buy a gun. Can you point me to the strong correlation between gun ownership and firearm homicides? Thanks.