faul_sname comments on The Dark Arts: A Beginner's Guide - Less Wrong

29 Post author: faul_sname 21 January 2012 07:05AM

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Comment author: Kaj_Sotala 21 January 2012 10:07:03AM 8 points [-]

I think we should define "Dark Arts" and "unethical" before we start labeling things as such. We've never really discussed what the term even means, and I don't think it's a good idea to start assuming that things are Dark Arts before we know what that means.

For instance, I'm not sure whether "make sure your partner thinks you are like them" should be classed as DA. Yes, it makes somebody more likely to accept your argument on non-rational grounds, but is it really more ethical to not seem like them, and thus take a non-rational penalty to your chances of having your argument believed?

Comment author: faul_sname 21 January 2012 10:12:14PM *  1 point [-]

The Dark Arts are not inherently unethical, but the way they are used often is.

Comment author: Eugine_Nier 22 January 2012 04:11:40AM 1 point [-]

The Dark Arts are not inherently unethical, but the way they are used often is.

This is not as clear as you think. Keep in mind Eliezer's objections to lying described here apply equally well to using the dark arts.