I think the orthodox LW view would be that this used car salesperson might have an immoral utility function but that he isn't irrational.
I also maintain that focus on "winning" is psychologically in conflict with truth seeking.
That basically means that sometimes the person who seeks the truth doesn't win. That outcome isn't satisfactory to Eliezer. In Rationality is Systematized Winning he writes:
If the "irrational" agent is outcompeting you on a systematic and predictable basis, then it is time to reconsider what you think is "rational".
Of course you can define rationality for yourself differently but it's a mistake to project your own goals on others.
A recent article title Truth, it's not that great got 84% upvotes on LW.
I am suprised that a significant group of people think that rationality is inclusive of useful false beliefs. Wouldn't we call LW an effectiveness forum, rather than a rationalist forum in that case?
That basically means that sometimes the person who seeks the truth doesn't win.
I think you're reading too much into that one quite rhetorical article, but I acknowledge he prioritises "winning" quite highly. I think he ought to revise that view. Trying to win with false beliefs risks not achieving your goals, but being oblivious to that fact. Lik...
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