lukeprog comments on Rationality Quotes September 2013 - Less Wrong

5 Post author: Vaniver 04 September 2013 05:02AM

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Comment author: lukeprog 02 September 2013 09:57:55AM 22 points [-]

You cannot have... only benevolent knowledge; the scientific method doesn't filter for benevolence.

Richard Rhodes

Comment author: DanielLC 04 September 2013 06:29:43AM 4 points [-]

That only tells you that if you just rely on the scientific method, it won't result in only benevolent knowledge. You could use another method to filter for benevolence.

Comment author: fubarobfusco 04 September 2013 09:06:04AM 14 points [-]

The same techniques of starting fire can be used to keep your neighbor warm in the winter, or to burn your neighbor's house down.

The same techniques of chemistry can be used to create remedies for diseases, or to create poisons.

The same techniques of business can be used to create mutual benefit (positive-sum exchanges; beneficial trade) or parasitism (negative-sum exchanges; rent-seeking).

The same techniques of rhetorical appeal to fear of contamination can be used to teach personal hygiene and save lives, or to teach racial purity and end them.

It isn't the knowledge that is benevolent or malevolent.

Comment author: Desrtopa 10 September 2013 03:36:32PM 4 points [-]

The same techniques of chemistry can be used to create remedies for diseases, or to create poisons.

Indeed, one fact I am rather fond of is that some deadly poisons are themselves antidotes to other deadly poisons, such as curare to strychnine, and atropine to nerve gas.

Comment author: DanielLC 04 September 2013 04:16:30PM 1 point [-]

That is a completely different reason than presented in the quote.

Comment author: loup-vaillant 04 September 2013 11:06:52PM 2 points [-]

Good luck finding one that doesn't also bias you into a corner.

Comment author: AlexanderD 07 September 2013 01:10:13AM 1 point [-]

That would be wonderful, world-changing, and unlikely. I hope but do not expect to see it happen.