I don’t think Eliezer is trying to give his readers a negative opinion of connotations. The rest of this sequence is all about the mathematics of connotations, and how they are vital for properly using language. The type of influence you’re talking about is extremely small, and probably unavoidable. It’s difficult to see how you could criticize one particular way in which connotations are used for manipulation without ever using the word “connotation” in the same sentence as a negatively charged word.
It is unavoidable, but I think extremely small is an exaggeration. I have no evidence as to the exact degree of impact, but I think extremely small is an unfair evaluation. Have you read Freakenomics, or any social research along similar lines? I think there is sufficient data out there to suggest that the impact is significant to some degree.
Right now one of the huge divides in epistemology is whether or not all reasons (even purported rational ones) do not boil down to emotionally charged values.
I agree that I do not think it is Eliezer’s intention, I am just wary of growing connotations of certain words within this community. In feeding these little connotations we run the risk of becoming emotionally rather than logically attached to a position.
I think Eliezer’s words/ideas are taking on a idolatrous status. It is not that he has bad ideas, obviously he is a brilliant individual. It is more that any idea without some moderation in its acceptance becomes damaging.
I don’t think Eliezer is trying to give his readers a negative opinion of connotations. The rest of this sequence is all about the mathematics of connotations, and how they are vital for properly using language. The type of influence you’re talking about is extremely small, and probably unavoidable. It’s difficult to see how you could criticize one particular way in which connotations are used for manipulation without ever using the word “connotation” in the same sentence as a negatively charged word.
It is unavoidable, but I think extremely small is an exaggeration. I have no evidence as to the exact degree of impact, but I think extremely small is an unfair evaluation. Have you read Freakenomics, or any social research along similar lines? I think there is sufficient data out there to suggest that the impact is significant to some degree.
Right now one of the huge divides in epistemology is whether or not all reasons (even purported rational ones) do not boil down to emotionally charged values.
I agree that I do not think it is Eliezer’s intention, I am just wary of growing connotations of certain words within this community. In feeding these little connotations we run the risk of becoming emotionally rather than logically attached to a position.
I think Eliezer’s words/ideas are taking on a idolatrous status. It is not that he has bad ideas, obviously he is a brilliant individual. It is more that any idea without some moderation in its acceptance becomes damaging.