1) “I’m a rationalist” = “I honestly apply the art of rationality every waking moment”
2) “I’m a rationalist” = “I make comments on Less Wrong and think Eliezer Yudkowsky is pretty cool”
I’d be a pretty sucky rationalist if I didn’t get an itchy feeling when I hear a false dichotomy. Therefore, let’s try some other options:
3) “I’m a rationalist” = “I earnestly try to be more rational than I would otherwise be.”
4) “I’m a rationalist” = “I think that syllogisms are pretty neat, and I’m really good at proving that Socrates is mortal. ;-)”
Dude’s dead. QED.
No, dude, the correct answer is “because he is a man!”
As a transhumanist, that does not follow.
I’m pretty sure I’m a rationalist(4). I am really good at that.
I’m a rationalist(2). I’m just here because it’s fun. ;)
You win rationality(1) points for being honest with yourself :).
3) I put a lot of effort into number-crunching optimal ways of realising my values, and very little into worrying wether they are the right ones.
1) “I’m a rationalist” = “I honestly apply the art of rationality every waking moment”
2) “I’m a rationalist” = “I make comments on Less Wrong and think Eliezer Yudkowsky is pretty cool”
I’d be a pretty sucky rationalist if I didn’t get an itchy feeling when I hear a false dichotomy. Therefore, let’s try some other options:
3) “I’m a rationalist” = “I earnestly try to be more rational than I would otherwise be.”
4) “I’m a rationalist” = “I think that syllogisms are pretty neat, and I’m really good at proving that Socrates is mortal. ;-)”
Dude’s dead. QED.
No, dude, the correct answer is “because he is a man!”
As a transhumanist, that does not follow.
I’m pretty sure I’m a rationalist(4). I am really good at that.
I’m a rationalist(2). I’m just here because it’s fun. ;)
You win rationality(1) points for being honest with yourself :).
3) I put a lot of effort into number-crunching optimal ways of realising my values, and very little into worrying wether they are the right ones.