PhilGoetz comments on The bias shield - Less Wrong

18 Post author: PhilGoetz 31 December 2011 05:44PM

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Comment author: PhilGoetz 31 December 2011 09:59:33PM *  5 points [-]

If there's a distinction between these explanations, it's that I'm adding an extra cognitive step, and saying that people are engaged in critical thinking about arguments but use knowledge about bias to dismiss some opinions.

Goetz's Razor says, When comparing explanations for a group's behavior, choose the one that requires the least intelligence. TheOtherDave's explanation wins by that test. If we had to choose one or the other, I'd go with TheOtherDave's.

We don't have to choose one or the other. I think both things happen, but people are less aware of the one described in the post.

But, yeah, maybe the entire post should be replaced by your comment.

Comment author: thomblake 03 January 2012 07:32:57PM 0 points [-]

Goetz's Razor says, When comparing explanations for a group's behavior, choose the one that requires the least intelligence.

An excellent policy. I use this one for individuals too.

Comment author: Dr_Manhattan 03 January 2012 07:46:47PM 0 points [-]
Comment author: thomblake 03 January 2012 07:54:40PM 0 points [-]

Similar, but different emphasis. It's actually just an application of Occam's Razor. Use the accurate model with the fewest moving parts.

And I prefer this formulation of Hanlon's Razor:

Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by intelligence

(with stupidity as a special case).