Vaniver comments on Welcome to Less Wrong! (5th thread, March 2013) - Less Wrong

27 Post author: orthonormal 01 April 2013 04:19PM

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Comment author: wedrifid 02 April 2013 03:21:11AM *  1 point [-]

I strongly recommend against both the "advises newcomers to skip the QM sequence -> can't grasp technical argument for MWI"

That inference isn't made. Eliezer has other information from which to reach that conclusion. In particular, he has several years worth of ranting and sniping from Shminux about his particular pet peeve. Even if you disagree with Eliezer's conclusion it is not correct to claim that Eliezer is making this particular inference.

and "disagrees with MWI argument -> poor technical skill" inferences.

Again, Eliezer has a large body of comments from which to reach the conclusion that Shminux has poor technical skill in the areas necessary for reasoning on that subject. The specific nature of the disagreement would be relevant, for example.

Comment author: Vaniver 02 April 2013 05:12:32AM 5 points [-]

That inference isn't made. Eliezer has other information from which to reach that conclusion. In particular, he has several years worth of ranting and sniping from Shminux about his particular pet peeve.

That very well could be, in which case my recommendation about that inference does not apply to Eliezer.

I will note that this comment suggests that Eliezer's model of shminux may be underdeveloped, and that caution in ascribing motives or beliefs to others is often wise.

Comment author: wedrifid 02 April 2013 06:38:43AM *  0 points [-]

I will note that this comment suggests that Eliezer's model of shminux may be underdeveloped

It really doesn't. At best it suggests Eliezer could have been more careful in word selection regarding Shminux's particular agenda. 'About' rather than 'with' would be sufficient.