Conflict and Mistake theory are two terms Scott Alexander has talked about for how people discuss problems.
"To massively oversimplify: Mistake theorists treat politics as science, engineering, or medicine. The State is diseased. We’re all doctors, standing around arguing over the best diagnosis and cure. Some of us have good ideas, others have bad ideas that wouldn’t help, or that would cause too many side effects. Conflict theorists treat politics as war. Different blocs with different interests are forever fighting to determine whether the State exists to enrich the Elites or to help the People."
Today we're going to get together to meet and do two things. One is talk about whether this dichotomy makes sense. The other is to try debating topics using both methods, to see how things go.
I'll be wearing a bright orange bandanna! Look for me in the food court.
Conflict and Mistake theory are two terms Scott Alexander has talked about for how people discuss problems.
"To massively oversimplify:
Mistake theorists treat politics as science, engineering, or medicine. The State is diseased. We’re all doctors, standing around arguing over the best diagnosis and cure. Some of us have good ideas, others have bad ideas that wouldn’t help, or that would cause too many side effects.
Conflict theorists treat politics as war. Different blocs with different interests are forever fighting to determine whether the State exists to enrich the Elites or to help the People."
Today we're going to get together to meet and do two things. One is talk about whether this dichotomy makes sense. The other is to try debating topics using both methods, to see how things go.
I'll be wearing a bright orange bandanna! Look for me in the food court.
Required Reading:
Conflict Vs Mistake: https://slatestarcodex.com/2018/01/24/conflict-vs-mistake/
Why I Am Not A Conflict Theorist: https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/why-i-am-not-a-conflict-theorist
Audio versions are available here:
https://sscpodcast.libsyn.com/conflict-vs-mistake
https://sscpodcast.libsyn.com/why-i-am-not-a-conflict-theorist
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