torekp comments on I believe it's doublethink - Less Wrong

23 Post author: kerspoon 21 February 2012 10:30PM

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Comment author: torekp 22 February 2012 02:54:34AM 0 points [-]

For the most part, my response to recommendation 1 is: this won't be much use. It is hard enough remembering "the bottom line" without also remembering the source or evidence. Most fact-learning occasions call instead for a snap judgment on the quality of the source or evidence, followed by accepting or rejecting or setting some quasi-probabilistic attitude toward the information, and then spending no more mental energy on the evidence. In those cases, the evidence is usually soon forgotten. So, most fact-recalling occasions are not going to reveal my reason for the alleged fact.

Obviously there are exceptions. If the information is controversial and I intend to share it, then I'll try remembering the source. Or better, bookmarking a link or taking notes.

Comment author: kerspoon 22 February 2012 10:11:34AM 0 points [-]

Please see my response to Viliam and ShardPhoenix.