Any belief could be said to “pay rent” if you can conceive a situation where it will be useful later on.
Just so. And a belief that leads to correct predictions will (generally) be more useful than a belief that doesn’t.
A general situation that I made up was.
Given any belief X and at least 2 people believe X,I always have utility in believing X(I think it should be knowing) as it helps me predict the actions of the other 2 people that believe in X.
I think I see a confusion with the term “eviction” here.
There is a difference between believing X exists (knowing about X) and believing X is true (believing X). So, “evicting X” should be understood as “no longer believing X”, rather than “erazing all knowledge of X” (which happens involuntary anyway).
I hope this was helpful, as this is my first comment, too. Anyway, I’ve lurked awhile and I don’t think anyone here would begrudge you raising an honest question.
Just so. And a belief that leads to correct predictions will (generally) be more useful than a belief that doesn’t.
I think I see a confusion with the term “eviction” here. There is a difference between believing X exists (knowing about X) and believing X is true (believing X). So, “evicting X” should be understood as “no longer believing X”, rather than “erazing all knowledge of X” (which happens involuntary anyway).
I hope this was helpful, as this is my first comment, too. Anyway, I’ve lurked awhile and I don’t think anyone here would begrudge you raising an honest question.
P.S. Welcome to less wrong :) !!!
Edit: formatting.