Socratic Grilling

NOTE: This is at the park area by the store. Wear your mask and practice social distancing at this event. Please finish eating before coming. Gather to hang out starting at 1:30 pm, with the main activity commencing at 2:30 pm.

Inspired by the SlateStarCodex post, we will do the activity version of Socratic Grilling.

As explained in the article, rationalist practice requires noticing when you’re confused, and attempting to resolve it. But asking such questions sometimes looks like trolling!

So, to see this in action, we’ll take turns—possibly splitting into groups—having someone speak on a topic very prone to misconceptions. Listeners will commit in advance to either:

a) ask honest clarifying questions about points of confusion, or
b) troll and “trap” the speaker.

At the end, we’ll guess who was doing what. (Remember, the best trolls look like “they’re just trying to ask questions, man!”)

Examples of such topics include evolution, the Efficient Markets Hypothesis, quantum computing, germ theory, monetary policy, and whatever else you’ve noticed from experience.

We had a lot of fun with this before, and I’m excited to try it out again!
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The meetup is at Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar, in the park area, near the stone tables by the pond. Look for the LW and SSC signs.


Reminders of rules for in-person events.

1. Do not attend if you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms.
2. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times during the meetup.
3. Stay >6 feet away from all other attendees. (Exception: people who are already part of the same household)
4. Do not eat or drink during the meetup (because this would defeat the purpose of wearing masks).

We’ll see you then!

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