My problem with calling things “socialist” is that the word is typically used in a motte-and-bailey fashion: “seizing the means of production, centralized planning” vs “cooperating, helping each other”. (Talking about the latter, but in a way that makes an applause light of the former.) This is analogical to “religion” meaning either “following the commandments in ancient books literally, obeying religious leaders” or “perceiving beauty in the universe, helping each other”. Neither socialists not christians have invented the concept of human cooperation.
More meta: if other people also have a problem with clarity of thought/communication, this should be a greater concern for LW audience than for EA audience, given the different focus of the websites.
My problem with calling things “socialist” is that the word is typically used in a motte-and-bailey fashion: “seizing the means of production, centralized planning” vs “cooperating, helping each other”. (Talking about the latter, but in a way that makes an applause light of the former.) This is analogical to “religion” meaning either “following the commandments in ancient books literally, obeying religious leaders” or “perceiving beauty in the universe, helping each other”. Neither socialists not christians have invented the concept of human cooperation.
More meta: if other people also have a problem with clarity of thought/communication, this should be a greater concern for LW audience than for EA audience, given the different focus of the websites.