I’m thinking it would best be described as “cultural”. Some level of taboo against correcting others unless you’re in a socially-approved position to do so (teacher, elder, etc.) is, to my understanding, fairly common among humans, even if it’s weaker in our society and time. I brought up the common knowledge thing just because it seems to contradict the idea that a strong urge to correct others could have been particularly adaptive.
I brought up the common knowledge thing just because it seems to contradict the idea that a strong urge to correct others could have been particularly adaptive.
Not all beliefs would be direct common knowledge.
People still had gods and group identities and fashions to disagree about.
On the other hand, I actually can’t see any quick reason it would be adaptive either.
I’m thinking it would best be described as “cultural”. Some level of taboo against correcting others unless you’re in a socially-approved position to do so (teacher, elder, etc.) is, to my understanding, fairly common among humans, even if it’s weaker in our society and time. I brought up the common knowledge thing just because it seems to contradict the idea that a strong urge to correct others could have been particularly adaptive.
I think it’s a selection effect on the kind of people who wind up on LW.
Not all beliefs would be direct common knowledge.
People still had gods and group identities and fashions to disagree about.
On the other hand, I actually can’t see any quick reason it would be adaptive either.