Eugine_Nier comments on [SEQ RERUN] Conjunction Controversy (Or, How They Nail It Down) - Less Wrong

3 Post author: MinibearRex 03 September 2011 12:39AM

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Comment author: Eugine_Nier 03 September 2011 06:14:15AM 3 points [-]

When it seems like an experiment that's been cited does not provide enough support for the interpretation given, remember that Scientists are generally pretty smart. Especially if the experiment was done a long time ago, or it is described as "classic" or "famous". In that case, you should consider the possibility that there is more evidence that you haven't seen.

This is a potentially dangerous assumption. There are cases of entire scientific fields being derailed for significant periods of time because everyone assumed that and hence no one bothered to check.

Comment author: MinibearRex 04 September 2011 04:36:42AM *  2 points [-]

You're not supposed to assume it. You're supposed to "consider the possibility". You know, google it or something (and, the implicit message is that you should do that before accusing Eliezer of leaping to a conclusion based on incomplete evidence).