RickJS comments on Why Our Kind Can't Cooperate - Less Wrong

132 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 20 March 2009 08:37AM

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Comment author: Vladimir_Nesov 11 September 2009 08:34:32AM *  2 points [-]

This only makes it worse, because you can't excuse a signal. (See rationalization, signals are shallow).

Also: just because you believe you are not fanatical, doesn't mean you are not. People can be caught in affective death spirals even around correct beliefs.

Comment author: RickJS 11 September 2009 07:11:08PM 1 point [-]

Vladimir_Nesov wrote on 11 September 2009 08:34:32AM:

This only makes it worse, because you can't excuse a signal.

This only makes what worse? Does it makes me sound more fanatical?

Please say more abut "you can't excuse a signal". Did you mean I can't reverse the first impression the signal inspired in somebody's mind? Or something else?

Also: just because you believe you are not fanatical, doesn't mean you are not. People can be caught in affective death spirals even around correct beliefs.

OK I'll start with a prior = 10% that I am fanatical and / or caught in an affective death spiral.

What do you recommend I do about my preachy style?

I appreciate your writings on LessWrong. I'm learning a lot.

Thank you for your time and attention.

With respect and high regard,
Rick Schwall, Ph.D.
Saving Humanity from Homo Sapiens (seizing responsibility, (even if I NEVER get on the field)

Comment author: Wei_Dai 11 September 2009 07:25:08PM 6 points [-]

What do you recommend I do about my preachy style?

I suggest trying to determine your true confidence on each statement you write, and use the appropriate language to convey the amount of uncertainty you have about its truth.

If you receive feedback that indicates that your confidence (or apparent confidence) is calibrated too high or too low, then adjust your calibration. Don't just issue a blanket disclaimer like "All of that is IN MY OPINION."

Comment author: RickJS 19 September 2009 11:01:55PM 3 points [-]

OK.

Actually, I'm going to restrain myself to just clarifying questions while I try to learn the assumed, shared, no-need-to-mention-it body of knowledge you fellows share.

Thanks.