I get a lot of mileage out of using Rationalist Taboo, or out of thinking about concepts rather than about words.
All of the following hot-button questions are very easily solved using this technique. As Scott Alexander points out, you can get a reputation as a daring and original thinker just by using this one thing over and over again, one of the best Hammers in the rationality community.
What is the meaning of life?
Is Islam a religion of peace?
Is America a Christian nation?
Is Abortion murder?
But do I really love him?
Does the Constitution create a wall of separation between Church and State?
I get a lot of mileage out of using Rationalist Taboo, or out of thinking about concepts rather than about words.
All of the following hot-button questions are very easily solved using this technique. As Scott Alexander points out, you can get a reputation as a daring and original thinker just by using this one thing over and over again, one of the best Hammers in the rationality community.
What is the meaning of life?
Is Islam a religion of peace?
Is America a Christian nation?
Is Abortion murder?
But do I really love him?
Does the Constitution create a wall of separation between Church and State?
Is this what I should do?
Are transgenders really women, or men?
Was that a lie?
What is a sandwich?
This is one of my favorites too.