Meta point: I think the forceful condescending tone is a bit inappropriate when you’re talking about a topic that you don’t necessarily know that much about.
You’ve flatly asserted that the entirety of game theory is built on an incorrect assumption, and whether you’re or not your correct about that, it doesn’t seem like you’re that clued up on game theory.
Eliezer just about gets away with his tone because he knows whereof he speaks. But I would prefer it if he showed more humility, and I think if you’re writing about a topic while you’re learning the basics of it, you should definitely show more! If only because it makes it easier to change your mind as you learn more.
EDIT: I think this reads a bit more negative than I intended, so just wanted to say I did enjoy the post and appreciate your engagement in the comments!
I agree! The condescending tone was not intentional, I think it snuck in due to soem lingering frustration with some people I’ve argued with in the past. (e.g. those who say that two-boxing is rational even when they admit it gets them less money.)
I’ve tried to edit that out, let me know if there are any passages that still strike you as unnecessarily rude.
Meta point: I think the forceful condescending tone is a bit inappropriate when you’re talking about a topic that you don’t necessarily know that much about.
You’ve flatly asserted that the entirety of game theory is built on an incorrect assumption, and whether you’re or not your correct about that, it doesn’t seem like you’re that clued up on game theory.
Eliezer just about gets away with his tone because he knows whereof he speaks. But I would prefer it if he showed more humility, and I think if you’re writing about a topic while you’re learning the basics of it, you should definitely show more! If only because it makes it easier to change your mind as you learn more.
EDIT: I think this reads a bit more negative than I intended, so just wanted to say I did enjoy the post and appreciate your engagement in the comments!
I agree! The condescending tone was not intentional, I think it snuck in due to soem lingering frustration with some people I’ve argued with in the past. (e.g. those who say that two-boxing is rational even when they admit it gets them less money.)
I’ve tried to edit that out, let me know if there are any passages that still strike you as unnecessarily rude.