There’s no problem with identifying with arguments and wanting to defend certain positions if you are open to arguments and evidence against your position. It’s actually convenient to do so for the purposes of discussion and advocacy.
Most people here are probably “transhumanists”, which connects their beliefs to their identity, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t change their mind or alter their beliefs if they see evidence against transhumanism. Describing specific traits that apply to you and your positions shouldn’t make you reluctant to change your positions, and also identifying with specific advocacy groups is probably inevitable.
I don’t think you’re really addressing what Wei Dai’s original post is actually discussing. I think that it should be apparent that Wei Dai isn’t advocating having more closeminded commenters, but is advocating a more diverse set of viewpoints and advocacies. You’re dismissing the overall idea was trying to be reached at based on an interpretation of “contrarian” that doesn’t make sense when viewed in the context of the advocacy statement within the original post. Even if you’re right about what “contrarian” means, please mentally replace every instance of “contrarian” with “person advocating something unpopular”, and that will make this discussion much more productive.
I agree that tying one’s identity to opposition specifically is bad, though. That’s political paralysis as a consequence of misguided cynicism. If you reject every position then you can advocate nothing. That’s not just ineffective, it’s a horrible way to live. Affirmation is good.
I don’t think you’re really addressing what Wei Dai’s original post is actually discussing. I think that it should be apparent that she isn’t advocating having more closeminded commenters.
I realized while writing the post that I didn’t know his gender and proceeded to edit as fast as I could but you people still caught the mistake before I fixed it, I’m embarrassed. At least it’s better to use “she” than “he” as my default assumption (balances against gendered language in favor of men, etc). Although on second thought it probably indicates that I associate civility with females which is stupid and unfair and can’t be intentionally controlled by me anyways so it’s not really worth lamenting.
But, sorry, Wei Dai, although it was just an accident and I doubt you’ll care much.
Although on second thought it probably indicates that I associate civility with females which is stupid and unfair and can’t be intentionally controlled by me anyways so it’s not really worth lamenting.
It makes a difference that there are some Wei Dais that are female.
I probably wouldn’t default to associating anti-consensus advocacy with female. That goes against a notorious (and as far as I know reasonably well founded) stereotype.
There’s no problem with identifying with arguments and wanting to defend certain positions if you are open to arguments and evidence against your position. It’s actually convenient to do so for the purposes of discussion and advocacy.
Most people here are probably “transhumanists”, which connects their beliefs to their identity, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t change their mind or alter their beliefs if they see evidence against transhumanism. Describing specific traits that apply to you and your positions shouldn’t make you reluctant to change your positions, and also identifying with specific advocacy groups is probably inevitable.
I don’t think you’re really addressing what Wei Dai’s original post is actually discussing. I think that it should be apparent that Wei Dai isn’t advocating having more closeminded commenters, but is advocating a more diverse set of viewpoints and advocacies. You’re dismissing the overall idea was trying to be reached at based on an interpretation of “contrarian” that doesn’t make sense when viewed in the context of the advocacy statement within the original post. Even if you’re right about what “contrarian” means, please mentally replace every instance of “contrarian” with “person advocating something unpopular”, and that will make this discussion much more productive.
I agree that tying one’s identity to opposition specifically is bad, though. That’s political paralysis as a consequence of misguided cynicism. If you reject every position then you can advocate nothing. That’s not just ineffective, it’s a horrible way to live. Affirmation is good.
As far as I know Wei Dai is male.
I realized while writing the post that I didn’t know his gender and proceeded to edit as fast as I could but you people still caught the mistake before I fixed it, I’m embarrassed. At least it’s better to use “she” than “he” as my default assumption (balances against gendered language in favor of men, etc). Although on second thought it probably indicates that I associate civility with females which is stupid and unfair and can’t be intentionally controlled by me anyways so it’s not really worth lamenting.
But, sorry, Wei Dai, although it was just an accident and I doubt you’ll care much.
It makes a difference that there are some Wei Dais that are female.
I probably wouldn’t default to associating anti-consensus advocacy with female. That goes against a notorious (and as far as I know reasonably well founded) stereotype.
I was thinking and perceiving in terms of tone rather than in terms of advocacy statement.
Someone else mentioned somewhere that essentially Wei Dai is very good at disagreeing politely.
I’ve met him in person, and this is the case.