F1. Develop general theory.
F2. Refine and check for consistency and correctness.
F3. Consolidate theory.
N1. Apply existing theory to problems.
N2. Evaluate successes and failures.
GOTO F1.
This looks like a close relative of our trusty friend, the scientific method, and is similarly idealized. In terms of this process, I think the Less Wrong community is between F2 and F3.
Note that the steps above include loops and backtracking. In a fairly bad case scenario, the less wrong community is between F2 and F3, in a worse case it has had some failures and needs to abandon some approaches.
Note that the steps above include loops and backtracking. In a fairly bad case scenario, the less wrong community is between F2 and F3, in a worse case it has had some failures and needs to abandon some approaches.