Astral Codex Ten Podcast

[Repost] Epistemic Learned Helplessness

Jun 6, 2019
Explore how conflicting arguments can create epistemic learned helplessness, hindering our ability to critically assess information. Discover the challenges of accepting beliefs and how past experiences shape our openness to unconventional ideas. The tension between rigid thinking and critical analysis is examined, especially how engineers and doctors navigate these complexities. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the societal implications of our struggles with belief and the importance of expertise in navigating the truth.
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INSIGHT

* Dangers of Blind Belief*

  • Blindly believing arguments, even valid ones, can be dangerous.
  • An art of rationality shouldn't compel belief solely based on proof.
ANECDOTE

Pseudo-history and Shifting Beliefs

  • Scott Alexander details his experience with pseudo-history books.
  • He was initially convinced by their arguments, only to be swayed by rebuttals, then rebuttals of rebuttals, and so on.
INSIGHT

* Recognizing Gullibility*

  • Exposure to various conflicting crackpot theories helped Scott Alexander recognize his gullibility.
  • This led him to trust established experts in fields where he lacks expertise.
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