shminux comments on Trusting Expert Consensus - Less Wrong

27 Post author: ChrisHallquist 16 October 2013 08:22PM

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Comment author: shminux 10 December 2013 07:26:11PM 0 points [-]

As discussed recently, there are plenty of cliques in math, physics and other communities, as well. Scientists are fallible.

Comment author: Laoch 11 December 2013 08:33:21AM -1 points [-]

No doubt, but in science there is an expectation of consensus for the science to be useful.

Comment author: Lumifer 11 December 2013 04:56:27PM 2 points [-]

For science to be useful it has to adequately reflect reality. Consensus is entirely irrelevant.

Comment author: TheAncientGeek 11 December 2013 04:59:16PM 0 points [-]

How is reflection of reality verified?

Comment author: Lumifer 11 December 2013 05:03:15PM 1 point [-]

Empirically.

Comment author: TheAncientGeek 11 December 2013 05:22:17PM 0 points [-]

And when you have N empircally adequate theories..?

Comment author: Lumifer 11 December 2013 05:31:14PM 1 point [-]

Then you are indifferent between them and can choose on e.g. aesthetic criteria.

Comment author: TheAncientGeek 11 December 2013 05:32:21PM 0 points [-]

Consensus sounds better.

Comment author: Lumifer 11 December 2013 05:35:46PM 1 point [-]

It also means something different.

Comment author: TheAncientGeek 11 December 2013 05:44:19PM 0 points [-]

Yes. The thing it means, which is not the the thing "aesthetics" means, is better.