Desrtopa comments on Plant Seeds of Rationality - Less Wrong

33 Post author: lukeprog 10 March 2011 05:51PM

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Comment author: Desrtopa 11 March 2011 04:16:33AM *  1 point [-]

The post doesn't draw on any existing knowledge in the area of influencing public opinion. For example, to me it seems pretty evident that public opinion normally flows only in one direction, namely down the social hierarchy of status, and any attempt to change it will be successful only insofar as it changes the influential higher-status levels.

Not invariably. I've certainly had a substantial impact on some of my professors' views on rationality.

Comment author: Vladimir_M 11 March 2011 05:54:23AM *  2 points [-]

Indeed, but that's exactly the point: influencing opinion higher up the status hierarchy is more difficult and more effective. If you really care about influencing opinion, and you don't already have an influential platform, the really difficult problem is how to come up with strategies that are both feasible and effective.

Comment author: wedrifid 11 March 2011 06:59:38AM *  1 point [-]

Indeed, but that's exactly the point: influencing opinion higher up the status hierarchy is more difficult and more effective.

Far, far harder overall. But if you have money (or other power substitute) then the high status people are easier to buy. Not only are they already (on average more) corrupt they are also a lot better at adjusting their beliefs according to what will benefit them. That is, after all, a big contributor to getting the high status in the first place.

Comment author: scav 15 March 2011 09:06:37AM 1 point [-]

Besides, that flow of opinion from high to low status apes is only the default. It's important to be aware of the impact of status on ape behaviour if you want to change things, but mostly so that we can be aware of its effect on us and then question it.

You don't have to influence the opinions of high-status individuals: just influence a few lower-status individuals to weigh those opinions mindfully against the facts. Those then gain status among their peers for their clever and original take on things, re-distributing a little ape-status in the direction of rationality.

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