I'm having trouble thinking of methods of problem solving that are non-algorithmic. Can anyone provide me with an example?
...but be sure you don't forget what the exam is for.
Yes, thank you for saying this. It is my intention to actually learn the material, not merely pass the exam.
I am a student entering University that just found out that he will have to take some placement exams during orientation. Specifically for Chemistry 131 and Calculus 1. I'm pretty sure that I can place into Cal 1, but I've never taken Chemistry before. I think it would be a cool challenge to see if I can teach myself Chemistry well enough to pass an exam by the time mid June rolls around.
If anyone wants to help just send me a PM telling me what your experience with basic Chemistry has been, and what you think I should focus on for the exam.
I know this isn...
A weblog called StudyHacks has articles about passion that I think you would find interesting.
Specifically The Passion Trap and The Danger of Dream Job Delusion.
EDIT: FORMATTING
there's a huge difference between realizing that one's fireplace is dangerous and realizing that one's entire belief system is completely wrong
Good point! I equated the two because that is what my experience was like. That is, my apostasy was more akin to a Fireplace Delusion than to an overhauling of my map.
I fixed it, thank you very much.
I interpreted it to mean that if you adhere to logical principles based on a rational view of reality, you will be better because you do so.
So, yes you're right. I would just change it to this: Do X because then you'll get status.
While status isn't the focus, it could (and likely will be) a product of what you're doing.
...the other, to change thy opinion, if there is anyone at hand who sets thee right and moves thee from any opinion. But this change of opinion must proceed only from a certain persuasion, as of what is just or of common advantage, and the like, not because it appears pleasant or brings reputation.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
Within ten days thou wilt seem a god to those to whom thou art now a beast and an ape, if thou wilt return to thy principles and to worshiping of reason
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
The intended listener must be doing an awful lot of stuff they already know is wrong. Ten days is a pretty short period of time to impress people as a god, and it usually requires more training and practice to get there. Heck, I still only impress people as a god around 10% of the time, and it took me 17 years to get here from when I first dedicated myself to rationality.
I think RMP is more for undergrads who want to coast through their degree with the least amount of effort.
RMP is also very useful if you want to sign-up for classes taught by attractive professors. I like to have something nice to look at while not doing course-work, lol!
I agree with you, I was just trying to help magfrump.
I'd suggest looking up math professors on , the ratings aren't perfect but it does look like they correlate well with my experiences with my professors.
Did you mean to link to Rate My Professor?
So, is your goal to build an AGI? If so, you should email "yudkowsky@gmail.com".
What resources exist detailing which mathematics to learn in what order?
One could acquire a university syllabus for a degree in mathematics and use textbooks and or MIT Opencoursware to learn with.
What resources exist that explain the utility of different mathematical concentrations for the purpose of directing studies?
I am having trouble understanding this question. By the words "mathematical concentrations", could one substitute the term "mathematical subfields"? If so, then I would say the best resource could be more experienced people with similar instrumental goals to one's self.
I listen to a weekly podcast called skeptoid. It's a very concise, information packed show focusing on pseudoscience and rationality. I've listened to episodes on the validity of IQ testing all the way to an entire episode on Zeno's paradoxes.
It may be light-hearted and entertaining, but it's still a very informative and educational podcast.
How do you know that my brain doesn't have algorithms running for all of these problems?
Surely for tea making it's something like this: I want tea -- Do I have all ingredients? -- (Water) yes, (Tea bag) no -- Do I go to the store? -- Is the store open etc...