wedrifid comments on Rationality Quotes July 2014 - LessWrong

6 Post author: VAuroch 06 July 2014 06:51AM

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Comment author: wedrifid 10 July 2014 05:27:12AM 4 points [-]

Theory is still present. Just because it is not explicitly stated does not mean there is no theory.

Theories need not be explicit but the lack of explicit theory does not imply that an implicit theory exists or that learning does not occur.

Abstract theoretical reasoning is learning.

One could redefine the term 'learning' such that this claim (and the quote) is tautological. Doing so would be a terrible way to carve reality.

The distinction that you are drawing, is just between well stated theory and non-stated implicit theory.

No it isn't. The world isn't that neat. Sometimes the theory just isn't there. It would be possible to create a theory that approximates the physical process. But that doesn't mean it exists.

Comment author: AshwinV 10 July 2014 08:21:51AM 3 points [-]

Can you tell me why it is bad way to carve reality?

Comment author: wedrifid 11 July 2014 08:46:05AM 2 points [-]

Can you tell me why it is bad way to carve reality?

For the same reason it is not helpful to redefine carburetters as 'car stuff'.

Abstract theoretical reasoning is different from kinds of learning without theory. It's a remarkable, versatile development that is possessed by comparatively few of the learning systems that are known to exist. That's not a difference to ignore.

Comment author: AshwinV 11 July 2014 09:34:51AM 3 points [-]

Right. So the difference is probably a technical one.Actually, I'm not sure that I've fully understood your point.

Nevertheless, I dont think Edward Deming was talking about the same thing you are. The basic point that he was trying to make is that you need to have some kind of mental model in the light of which you need to analyse your experience.