I’m reading this, and it seems very reasonable, and then:
Changing our perspective might have significant benefits. Systematized winning is not an actionable definition. Most domains already have field specific knowledge on how to win, and in aggregate these organized practices are called society. The most powerful engine of systematized winning developed thus far is civilization.
So, assume civilization is a set of guidelines that dictate a course of actions. Just like rationality in fact. How can this beat rationality? If it dictates the correct course of actions, rationality will too. And often, rationality can suggest something more effective.
The possible counters c are: (a) rationality is hard work, and mostly sticking with civilization is fine. (b) Or you’re not a good enough rationalist (or have enough good information) to beat civilizational guidelines.
But the article does not really suggest those. It says civilization is already winning. Well, it all hinges on the definition of winning. But it’s quite clear you can achieve better outcomes through rationality if that’s what you care about and are not put off by the extra work (counter (a)).
The counters are interesting but ultimately irrelevant. You can actually rationality arrive at (a): determining that the cost incurred by practicing rationality is more than the benefits accrued. That being said, it’s so general a statement, I don’t think anyone it can be true for anyone capable to think the thoughts. You can also rationally arrive at (b), and in fact, if it’s true you should: civilization IS evidence, and it has to be valued accurately. If civilization guidelines keep trumping your best guesses, the weight of civilizational evidence should increase accordingly.
I’m reading this, and it seems very reasonable, and then:
So, assume civilization is a set of guidelines that dictate a course of actions. Just like rationality in fact. How can this beat rationality? If it dictates the correct course of actions, rationality will too. And often, rationality can suggest something more effective.
The possible counters c are: (a) rationality is hard work, and mostly sticking with civilization is fine. (b) Or you’re not a good enough rationalist (or have enough good information) to beat civilizational guidelines.
But the article does not really suggest those. It says civilization is already winning. Well, it all hinges on the definition of winning. But it’s quite clear you can achieve better outcomes through rationality if that’s what you care about and are not put off by the extra work (counter (a)).
The counters are interesting but ultimately irrelevant. You can actually rationality arrive at (a): determining that the cost incurred by practicing rationality is more than the benefits accrued. That being said, it’s so general a statement, I don’t think anyone it can be true for anyone capable to think the thoughts. You can also rationally arrive at (b), and in fact, if it’s true you should: civilization IS evidence, and it has to be valued accurately. If civilization guidelines keep trumping your best guesses, the weight of civilizational evidence should increase accordingly.