Zed comments on Take heed, for it is a trap - Less Wrong

47 Post author: Zed 14 August 2011 10:23AM

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Comment author: Zed 14 August 2011 04:22:26PM 1 point [-]

http://lesswrong.com/lw/28w/aspergers_poll_results_lw_is_on_the_spectrum/

Only about 1 in 10 people on Less Wrong are "normal" in terms of the empathizing/systematizing scale, perhaps 1 in 10 are far enough out to be full blown Aspergers, and the rest of us sit somewhere in between, with most people being more to the right of the distribution than the average Cambridge mathematics student.

I'd say that's pretty damning.

Comment author: D_Alex 15 August 2011 03:03:22AM 8 points [-]

It is not "damning". The test diagnoses a particular cognitive style, characterised by precision and attention to detail - this is of no great benefit in social settings, and in extreme cases can lead to difficulty in social interaction and peculiar behaviour. On the other hand, in sciences, engineering and probably philosophy, this style brings major benefits. The overall quality of LW site is a reflection of this.

Comment author: Zed 15 August 2011 11:14:13PM *  3 points [-]

Aspergers and anti-social tendencies are, as far as I can tell, highly correlated with low social status. I agree with you that the test also selects for people who are good at the sciences and engineering. Unfortunately scientists and engineers also have low social status in western society.

First Xachariah suggested I may have misunderstood signaling theory. Then Incorrect said that what I said would be correct assuming LessWrong readers have low status. Then I replied with evidence that I think supports that position. You probably interpreted what I said in a different context.

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