Do you also think that having more contrarians who disagree that “2+2=4” would increase our likelihood of having correct beliefs? I mean, if they are wrong, we will see the weakness in their arguments and refuse to update, so there is no harm; but if they are right and we are wrong, it could be very helpful.
More generally, what is your algorithm for deciding for which values of X we need more contrarians who disagree with X?
If people come to LessWrong thinking “2+2 != 4” or “computer manufacturing isn’t science”, is saying “You’re stupid” really raising the sanity line in any way? In short, we should distinguish between punishing disagreement and punishing obstinate behavior/contrarianism.
This. It’s obviously very possible that this was a troll, but that’s not my read.
Edit: There were one or two others talking a lot without contributing much that seemed to be the impetus for this discussion post. Wei Dai’s post seems to be a reaction to that post.
Do you also think that having more contrarians who disagree that “2+2=4” would increase our likelihood of having correct beliefs? I mean, if they are wrong, we will see the weakness in their arguments and refuse to update, so there is no harm; but if they are right and we are wrong, it could be very helpful.
More generally, what is your algorithm for deciding for which values of X we need more contrarians who disagree with X?
If people come to LessWrong thinking “2+2 != 4” or “computer manufacturing isn’t science”, is saying “You’re stupid” really raising the sanity line in any way? In short, we should distinguish between punishing disagreement and punishing obstinate behavior/contrarianism.
Well, computer manufacturing isn’t science, it’s engineering.
If someone says, “I believe in computers and GPS, but not quantum mechanics or science” then they are deeply confused.
Has there been a glut of those on LessWrong?
This. It’s obviously very possible that this was a troll, but that’s not my read.
Edit: There were one or two others talking a lot without contributing much that seemed to be the impetus for this discussion post. Wei Dai’s post seems to be a reaction to that post.