Rationality is the optimal tool for goal-winning, which is always what is desirable.
You can show that our current understanding of rationality or winning does not live up to the definition, but that is not a criticism of the definition.
With all due respect, you are missing the point I am trying to make with “erring on the side of caution” segment. I would agree that in theory goal-winning is always desirable, but as you yourself point out, the individual’s understanding of rationality or winning (goal-orientation) is flawed. You imply that as time progresses the individual will slowly but surely recognize what “true winning is.” In response to this notion, I would ask
1.) How do you rationalize omitting the possibility that the individual will never understand what “true rationality” or “true winning” are? What evidence do you have that such knowledge is even obtainable? If there is none, then would it not be more rational adjust one’s confidence in one’s goal-orientation to include the very real possibility that any immediate goal-orientation might later be revealed as damaging?
2.) Even if we make the assumption that eventually the individual will obtain a perfect understanding of rationality and winning, how does this omit the need for caution in early stage goal-orientation? If given enough time, I will understand true rationality, then rationally shouldn’t all my goals up until that point is reached by approached with caution?
My point is that while one’s methodology in achieving goals can become more and more precise, there is no way to guarantee that the bearings at which we place our goals will lead us down a nourishing (and therefore rational) path; and therefore, the speed at which we achieve goals (accelerated by rationality) is potentially dangerous to achieving the desired results of those goals. Does that make sense?
1.) You should read up on what it really means to have “true rationality”. Here’s the thing, we don’t omit the possibility that the individual will never understand what “true rationality” is, in fact Bayes’ Theorem shows that it’s impossible to assign a probability of 1.0 to any theory of anything (never mind rationality). You can’t argue with math.
2.) Yes, all of your goals should be approached with caution, just like all of your plans. We’re not perfectly rational beings, that’s why we try to become stronger. However, we approach things with due caution. If something is our best course of action given the amount of information we have, we should take it.
Also remember, you’re allowed to plan for more than one eventuality, that’s why we use probabilities and Bayes’ theorem it order to work out what eventualities we should plan for.
With all due respect, you are missing the point I am trying to make with “erring on the side of caution” segment. I would agree that in theory goal-winning is always desirable, but as you yourself point out, the individual’s understanding of rationality or winning (goal-orientation) is flawed. You imply that as time progresses the individual will slowly but surely recognize what “true winning is.” In response to this notion, I would ask
1.) How do you rationalize omitting the possibility that the individual will never understand what “true rationality” or “true winning” are? What evidence do you have that such knowledge is even obtainable? If there is none, then would it not be more rational adjust one’s confidence in one’s goal-orientation to include the very real possibility that any immediate goal-orientation might later be revealed as damaging?
2.) Even if we make the assumption that eventually the individual will obtain a perfect understanding of rationality and winning, how does this omit the need for caution in early stage goal-orientation? If given enough time, I will understand true rationality, then rationally shouldn’t all my goals up until that point is reached by approached with caution?
My point is that while one’s methodology in achieving goals can become more and more precise, there is no way to guarantee that the bearings at which we place our goals will lead us down a nourishing (and therefore rational) path; and therefore, the speed at which we achieve goals (accelerated by rationality) is potentially dangerous to achieving the desired results of those goals. Does that make sense?
1.) You should read up on what it really means to have “true rationality”. Here’s the thing, we don’t omit the possibility that the individual will never understand what “true rationality” is, in fact Bayes’ Theorem shows that it’s impossible to assign a probability of 1.0 to any theory of anything (never mind rationality). You can’t argue with math.
2.) Yes, all of your goals should be approached with caution, just like all of your plans. We’re not perfectly rational beings, that’s why we try to become stronger. However, we approach things with due caution. If something is our best course of action given the amount of information we have, we should take it.
Also remember, you’re allowed to plan for more than one eventuality, that’s why we use probabilities and Bayes’ theorem it order to work out what eventualities we should plan for.