Recent controversy on LW about gender, dating etc seems to fall into exactly this pattern.
In particular, there is heavy conflation of the facts of the matter about what kind of behavior women are attracted to with normative propositions about which gender is “better” and whether which is more blameworthy.
Gender equality discussions (Larry summers!) seem to fall into the same trap.
Yes, it was in fact thinking about that topic that made me try to write these thoughts down systematically. What I would like to do is to present them in a way that would elicit well-argued responses that don’t get sidetracked into mind-killer reactions (and the latter would inevitably happen in places where people put less emphasis on rationality than here, so this site seems like a suitable venue). Ultimately, I want to see if I’m making sense, or if I’m just seeking sophisticated rationalizations for some false unconventional opinions I managed to propagandize myself into.
What I would like to do is to present them in a way that would elicit well-argued responses that don’t get sidetracked into mind-killer reactions
Indeed, that is a good strategy. However, sometimes if you make it too abstract, people don’t actually get what you’re talking about. It’s a fine line!
Recent controversy on LW about gender, dating etc seems to fall into exactly this pattern.
In particular, there is heavy conflation of the facts of the matter about what kind of behavior women are attracted to with normative propositions about which gender is “better” and whether which is more blameworthy.
Gender equality discussions (Larry summers!) seem to fall into the same trap.
Yes, it was in fact thinking about that topic that made me try to write these thoughts down systematically. What I would like to do is to present them in a way that would elicit well-argued responses that don’t get sidetracked into mind-killer reactions (and the latter would inevitably happen in places where people put less emphasis on rationality than here, so this site seems like a suitable venue). Ultimately, I want to see if I’m making sense, or if I’m just seeking sophisticated rationalizations for some false unconventional opinions I managed to propagandize myself into.
Another type of example you could use in this topic is a real one, that occurred in the past.
This would better than a fictional example, actually, as it brings in evidence from reality much earlier.
Indeed, that is a good strategy. However, sometimes if you make it too abstract, people don’t actually get what you’re talking about. It’s a fine line!
Are you referring to my article? I didn’t mean to give the impression that either strategy was better.