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Kaj_Sotala comments on Open Thread, May 5 - 11, 2014 - Less Wrong Discussion

2 Post author: Tenoke 05 May 2014 10:35AM

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Comment author: raisin 06 May 2014 05:00:04PM *  2 points [-]

your brain is already a finely-tuned machine for learning and doing.

Does this by extension imply that the type of instrumental rationality training advocated by LW is useless? Why, why not?

Comment author: lmm 06 May 2014 08:51:31PM 4 points [-]

Largely, but not entirely. There are cases where evolution optimises for something different from what you want. And there are cases where the environment has changed faster than evolution can track.

Comment author: Lumifer 06 May 2014 09:27:08PM 0 points [-]

There are cases where evolution optimises for something different from what you want.

Evolution always optimizes for the same thing :-/

If you want something different, that's your problem :-D

Comment author: Viliam_Bur 07 May 2014 07:26:38AM *  2 points [-]

Is it time to restart the "Read the Sequences" meme?

Specifically: The Tragedy of Group Selectionism

Comment author: Benito 07 May 2014 04:09:04PM 1 point [-]

Well, at least read the wiki entry.

Comment author: Risto_Saarelma 06 May 2014 05:46:33PM 4 points [-]

The general rule of thumb for raw intelligence probably applies, you can damage it with unwise actions (like eating lead paint or taking up boxing), but there aren't really any good ways to boost it beyond its natural unimpeded baseline. Good instrumental rationality can help you look out for and avoid self-sabotaging behavior, like overworking your way into burnout.

Comment author: passive_fist 06 May 2014 10:11:21PM 2 points [-]

Decreasing work-load when you feel tired - the thing you naturally want to do - is also a reliable way to avoid burnout.

Comment author: passive_fist 06 May 2014 10:09:05PM *  1 point [-]

If some particular method of learning can be shown, through evidence, to be an improvement long-term, then by all means go for it. But until then, your prior belief has to be that it isn't.