Clearly, as you hinted by noting that studying certain subjects can actually make you dumber, the key problem is how to evaluate the soundness and reliability of the existing literature in a given area as an non-expert. I raised this topic many times on LW, including in a recent top-level article, but there doesn’t seem to be much interest in it here—even though the issue is, in my opinion, of crucial importance, not least because all the arguments about the value and importance of scholarship that you list also hinge on it.
I wasn’t referring specifically to my article, but noting that the topic generally doesn’t get the attention that, in my opinion, it deserves. (And even when it comes to the article itself, most of the comments were in subthreads that quickly drifted off the main topic or went into meta-discussions of whether the choice of issues discussed in the article is improper, though of course there were a few very good on-topic comments, as usual.)
Thanks for linking, but just to make sure I don’t give a wrong impression, I didn’t mean to complain specifically about you not linking to it—I wanted to express the opinion that the topic is neglected on LW in general, considering its importance.
I have some other ideas that I hope to write up when I find some time. I was considering maybe even opening some of these topics in this thread, but unfortunately I’m too busy for any significant discussion tonight.
Clearly, as you hinted by noting that studying certain subjects can actually make you dumber, the key problem is how to evaluate the soundness and reliability of the existing literature in a given area as an non-expert. I raised this topic many times on LW, including in a recent top-level article, but there doesn’t seem to be much interest in it here—even though the issue is, in my opinion, of crucial importance, not least because all the arguments about the value and importance of scholarship that you list also hinge on it.
Why do you say there doesn’t seem to be much interest? Your post has 48 karma and 244 comments. That doesn’t seem like “not much interest” to me.
I wasn’t referring specifically to my article, but noting that the topic generally doesn’t get the attention that, in my opinion, it deserves. (And even when it comes to the article itself, most of the comments were in subthreads that quickly drifted off the main topic or went into meta-discussions of whether the choice of issues discussed in the article is improper, though of course there were a few very good on-topic comments, as usual.)
FWIW, I’ve been following your thoughts on this topic with great interest.
Oh yes, I liked that post.
Linked.
Thanks for linking, but just to make sure I don’t give a wrong impression, I didn’t mean to complain specifically about you not linking to it—I wanted to express the opinion that the topic is neglected on LW in general, considering its importance.
Well, it’s important to me, anyway. Do you have further thoughts on the problem? Other discussion or front-page posts you could write on the topic?
I have some other ideas that I hope to write up when I find some time. I was considering maybe even opening some of these topics in this thread, but unfortunately I’m too busy for any significant discussion tonight.