A basic rationality skill that stops and starts at national borders is problematic. The Internet is filtered in many places, difficult to access in many others.
In what respect? Many tools are restricted in some areas and unrestricted in others. The fact that one of those tools happens to very useful for instrumental rationality is unfortunate, but it does not make it less important.
Important and basic are not the same. The original post claimed ‘one’s ability to use search engines is a basic instrumental rationality skill.’ To lack something that is basic is to not be able to move forward. I make the counter-claim lack of any internet skill is no detriment to rationality. I add that claiming internet use is a basic rationality skill suggests a lack of consideration of those places where the internet is filtered or more difficult to access. I am not saying the original post or its author is racist, rude, insensitive, mean or foolish. I am saying the original post’s author appears to have not considered those places where the internet is filtered or more difficult to access. Which is plenty of people.
In what respect? Many tools are restricted in some areas and unrestricted in others. The fact that one of those tools happens to very useful for instrumental rationality is unfortunate, but it does not make it less important.
Important and basic are not the same. The original post claimed ‘one’s ability to use search engines is a basic instrumental rationality skill.’ To lack something that is basic is to not be able to move forward. I make the counter-claim lack of any internet skill is no detriment to rationality. I add that claiming internet use is a basic rationality skill suggests a lack of consideration of those places where the internet is filtered or more difficult to access. I am not saying the original post or its author is racist, rude, insensitive, mean or foolish. I am saying the original post’s author appears to have not considered those places where the internet is filtered or more difficult to access. Which is plenty of people.
Agreed — it isn’t basic. Using whatever informational resources are ready to hand is a basic skill. Search engines are a specific tool.
Explicit praise: Clever dissolution and reduction of everything in a very concise and helpful manner. Keep doing this! <3