faul_sname comments on Open Thread, January 15-31, 2012 - Less Wrong

9 Post author: OpenThreadGuy 16 January 2012 12:56AM

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Comment author: faul_sname 17 January 2012 02:08:53AM *  0 points [-]

The question is not "Is it useful?" but "Is it useful enough to justify the risk?" In that case, the answer might well be yes, but there will probably be cases in the future where the knowledge is not worth the risk.

Comment author: TimS 17 January 2012 02:59:07AM 2 points [-]

I agree that you have identified the right question. I disagree with you on when the balance shifts. In particular, I think you've picked a bad example of "dangerous" research, because I don't think the virus research you identified is a close question.

(That said, not my downvotes)

Comment author: faul_sname 17 January 2012 05:49:07AM *  1 point [-]

Upon further research, you're right. The research appears not to be as dangerous as it seemed at first glance.