“Reading about rationality is a very effective way of training the verbal part of one’s brain to be rational. On the other hand, the influence on other parts of the brain may be less impressive. The translation of a rationality concept into words may also be imperfect, rendering it less helpful than expected when applied to novel circumstances.”
That’s how I understand your post. Reading about rationality doesn’t sculpt your brain in the same way as does learning over many years to overcome problems through the virtues of precise thinking. I agree—and the only solution is to read widely, use your brain all the time, and try to become more perspicacious over time!
In the mean time, use Yudkowsky’s insights and teachings to the extent that you feel you can trust them at this point. The same goes for any other sage.
“Reading about rationality is a very effective way of training the verbal part of one’s brain to be rational. On the other hand, the influence on other parts of the brain may be less impressive. The translation of a rationality concept into words may also be imperfect, rendering it less helpful than expected when applied to novel circumstances.”
That’s how I understand your post. Reading about rationality doesn’t sculpt your brain in the same way as does learning over many years to overcome problems through the virtues of precise thinking. I agree—and the only solution is to read widely, use your brain all the time, and try to become more perspicacious over time!
In the mean time, use Yudkowsky’s insights and teachings to the extent that you feel you can trust them at this point. The same goes for any other sage.
Yes, I think this is a pretty good reading of my post. And it makes the issue seem less pressing and more manageable.