I am pleased to see that many of the first names that popped into my head (e.g. Daniel Dennett, Scott Aaronson, Richard Dawkins, David Chalmers—and of course Robin Hanson) have been mentioned.
But, surprisingly, no one’s yet suggested Steven Pinker. He is one of the public faces of evolutionary psychology, and (nevertheless?) has some sympathy toward mysterianism about consciousness. (And considering that yesterday I came across an old comment by Eliezer in which he said that the English language has no rules, Pinker may be just the person he needs to talk to.)
Plenty of people are less acquainted with linguistics; surely, then, it’s a good idea to avoid saying things that are actually false (especially when they would reinforce a common misconception that experts in the subject are constantly trying to stamp out).
I am pleased to see that many of the first names that popped into my head (e.g. Daniel Dennett, Scott Aaronson, Richard Dawkins, David Chalmers—and of course Robin Hanson) have been mentioned.
But, surprisingly, no one’s yet suggested Steven Pinker. He is one of the public faces of evolutionary psychology, and (nevertheless?) has some sympathy toward mysterianism about consciousness. (And considering that yesterday I came across an old comment by Eliezer in which he said that the English language has no rules, Pinker may be just the person he needs to talk to.)
Um… I am very well aware of the concept of linguistics, thank you. I was speaking rhetorically.
(EDIT: Though Steven Pinker is still a fine suggestion.)
Be that as it may, a wise person once wrote:
SPEAK THE TRUTH, EVEN IF YOUR VOICE TREMBLES.
Plenty of people are less acquainted with linguistics; surely, then, it’s a good idea to avoid saying things that are actually false (especially when they would reinforce a common misconception that experts in the subject are constantly trying to stamp out).
I’d love to see a Steven Pinker diavlog! He just hadn’t occurred to me to suggest.