J_Taylor comments on Bad Concepts Repository - Less Wrong

20 Post author: moridinamael 27 June 2013 03:16AM

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Comment author: FeepingCreature 27 June 2013 03:45:32PM *  12 points [-]

The word "is" in all its forms. It encourages category thinking in lieu of focussing on the actual behavior or properties that make it meaningful to apply. Example: "is a clone really you?" Trying to even say that without using "is" poses a challenge. I believe it should be treated the same as goto: occasionally useful but usually a warning sign.

Comment author: J_Taylor 28 June 2013 12:05:53AM 6 points [-]

In that sentence, I find the words "clone", "really" and "you" to be as problematic as "is".

Comment author: [deleted] 28 June 2013 02:41:45AM 6 points [-]

You're perfectly comfortable with the indefinite article?

Comment author: J_Taylor 29 June 2013 05:10:19AM 3 points [-]

No, but I am much more comfortable with it than I am with the other words.