I broadly agree, but I think it’s worth it to learn to distinguish scenarios where a simple solution is known from ones where it is not. We have, say, building design and construction down pat, but AGI alignment? A solid cure for many illnesses? The obesity crisis? No simple solution is currently known.
Yes, so long as one can tell the difference between a problem that is solved (construction, microprocessor design, etc.) and one that is not (“depressed? just stop being sad, it’s easy”)
Also, we might apply an unnamed razor: If a problem has a simple solution, everyone would already be doing it.
This is a special collection of problems that were given to select applicants during oral entrance exams to the math department of Moscow State University. These problems were designed to prevent Jews and other undesirables from getting a passing grade. Among problems that were used by the department to blackball unwanted candidate students, these problems are distinguished by having a simple solution that is difficult to find. Using problems with a simple solution protected the administration from extra complaints and appeals. This collection therefore has mathematical as well as historical value.
Likely true. The sorts of problems I was thinking about for the razor are ones that have had a simple solutions for a very long time—walking, talking, sending electrical current from one place to another, illuminating spaces, stuff like that.
Perhaps a 2x2 grid would be helpful?
I feel like this post is standing against the top-left quadrant and would prefer everyone to move to the bottom-left quadrant, which I agree with. My concern is the people in the bottom-right quadrant, which I don’t believe lukehmiles is in, but I fear they may use this post as fuel for their belief—i.e. “depression is easy, you attention-seeking loser! just stop being sad, it’s a solved problem!”
Let me try at least. Cure for depression: Find lovely loving partner, interesting job, and sport you enjoy. (I didn’t say solution is easy, just simple.)
I broadly agree, but I think it’s worth it to learn to distinguish scenarios where a simple solution is known from ones where it is not. We have, say, building design and construction down pat, but AGI alignment? A solid cure for many illnesses? The obesity crisis? No simple solution is currently known.
I play my Reject Nuance card
Yes, so long as one can tell the difference between a problem that is solved (construction, microprocessor design, etc.) and one that is not (“depressed? just stop being sad, it’s easy”)
Also, we might apply an unnamed razor: If a problem has a simple solution, everyone would already be doing it.
This is false, though.
Finding a simple solution can be very hard:
Likely true. The sorts of problems I was thinking about for the razor are ones that have had a simple solutions for a very long time—walking, talking, sending electrical current from one place to another, illuminating spaces, stuff like that.
Perhaps a 2x2 grid would be helpful?
I feel like this post is standing against the top-left quadrant and would prefer everyone to move to the bottom-left quadrant, which I agree with. My concern is the people in the bottom-right quadrant, which I don’t believe lukehmiles is in, but I fear they may use this post as fuel for their belief—i.e. “depression is easy, you attention-seeking loser! just stop being sad, it’s a solved problem!”
Let me try at least. Cure for depression: Find lovely loving partner, interesting job, and sport you enjoy. (I didn’t say solution is easy, just simple.)
Fair! That’s a simple if not easy solution, definitely bottom-left quadrant instead of bottom-right!