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CRITICAL CONCEPTS IN INFORMATION PROCESSING
[thread]
A mind is a machine that takes information as its input and generates action as its output.
Therefore it's critical that we be able to process information safely. Our actions depend on it.
[thread]
A mind is a machine that takes information as its input and generates action as its output.
Therefore it's critical that we be able to process information safely. Our actions depend on it.
1) TRUE FACTS VS TRUTH
Facts are distinct from truth.
True facts can be used to create falsehood (e.g. news), and false facts can be used to create truth (e.g. story).
Example:
The avg daily snowfall in Chicago is 1/2", therefore bring a coat in July.
Facts are distinct from truth.
True facts can be used to create falsehood (e.g. news), and false facts can be used to create truth (e.g. story).
Example:
The avg daily snowfall in Chicago is 1/2", therefore bring a coat in July.
2) INFO VS ACTION
When we speak about "truth", in common use, we are not making a claim about the quality of info. We are making a claim about the validity of the actions we took in response to the info.
Behavior matters. Info does not.
When we speak about "truth", in common use, we are not making a claim about the quality of info. We are making a claim about the validity of the actions we took in response to the info.
Behavior matters. Info does not.
3) SOCIAL COHESION
Certain behavior is required to maintain cohesion within a social group.
So "truth" in a social context means, The info which best justifies the pattern of behavior required to maintain cohesion in the group.
Thought is pathogenic. It threatens cohesion.
Certain behavior is required to maintain cohesion within a social group.
So "truth" in a social context means, The info which best justifies the pattern of behavior required to maintain cohesion in the group.
Thought is pathogenic. It threatens cohesion.
4) RESOURCE DEFICIENCY
Truth is only valued when resources are abundant.
When resources are deficient, the value of social cohesion surpasses the value of truth. This is a survival instinct. A group can provide better than an individual in hard times due to trade.
Truth is only valued when resources are abundant.
When resources are deficient, the value of social cohesion surpasses the value of truth. This is a survival instinct. A group can provide better than an individual in hard times due to trade.
5) WHAT IT MEANS TO BE OFFENDED
Offense is taken in defense of a group's cohesion. A person who introduces information that might inspire different behavior among group members is a threat to the group's cohesion and resources.
They must be excommunicated.
Offense is taken in defense of a group's cohesion. A person who introduces information that might inspire different behavior among group members is a threat to the group's cohesion and resources.
They must be excommunicated.
6) WAR
War occurs when
- resources are deficient, and
- different groups make claim to the same set of resources
War occurs when
- resources are deficient, and
- different groups make claim to the same set of resources
Understanding these core concepts of information processing will help you avoid recklessness of action.
If you find value in these ideas, I owe much of it to
@BretWeinstein
@jgreenhall
@man_integrated
@EricRWeinstein
@nntaleb
Geniuses, all. give them a follow
If you find value in these ideas, I owe much of it to
@BretWeinstein
@jgreenhall
@man_integrated
@EricRWeinstein
@nntaleb
Geniuses, all. give them a follow
