More generally, Eliezer takes an explicit and very detail oriented approach to some aspects of some topics, but takes a very informal and relaxed approach to other topics. It seems to me that he pays attention to detail more when he agrees with the arguments he is outlining. This has the effect of making the arguments he opposes seem artificially weaker.
This isn’t directly relevant to the chocolate cake issue, but your comment reminded me of this.
I agree—I think this is because Eliezer’s intent is to explain what he believes to be right, rather than to worry too much about the arguments of those he doesn’t agree with. An approach I entirely agree with—my experience is that debate is remarkably ineffective as a means of reaching new knowledge, whilst teaching the particular viewpoint you hold is normally much more enlightening to the listener, whether they agree with the viewpoint or not.
More generally, Eliezer takes an explicit and very detail oriented approach to some aspects of some topics, but takes a very informal and relaxed approach to other topics. It seems to me that he pays attention to detail more when he agrees with the arguments he is outlining. This has the effect of making the arguments he opposes seem artificially weaker.
This isn’t directly relevant to the chocolate cake issue, but your comment reminded me of this.
I agree—I think this is because Eliezer’s intent is to explain what he believes to be right, rather than to worry too much about the arguments of those he doesn’t agree with. An approach I entirely agree with—my experience is that debate is remarkably ineffective as a means of reaching new knowledge, whilst teaching the particular viewpoint you hold is normally much more enlightening to the listener, whether they agree with the viewpoint or not.