SSC
On Types of Typologies
Scott defends the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as a useful, if unscientific, tool for categorizing personalities, comparing it to European country classifications.
9 min read 1,258 words
The independent Scott Alexander archive
Scott Alexander, collected.
Essays, arguments, and unexpected connections. An independent archive of Slate Star Codex, Astral Codex Ten, and LessWrong.
The collection
2,008 essaysSSC
Compound Interest Is The Least Powerful Force In The Universe
Scott Alexander critiques Ezra Klein's argument that white Americans have benefited from compound interest on wealth stolen from African Americans, citing evidence that wealth rarely persists across generations.
16 min read 2,465 words
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Apologia Pro Vita Sua
Scott Alexander compares his inability to allocate time for work tasks despite blogging regularly to heroin addicts' inability to allocate money for medication despite buying drugs.
5 min read 656 words
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Nydwracu’s Fnords
Scott Alexander examines how 'fnords' and similar psychological techniques may influence political discourse and polarization through unconscious associations.
14 min read 2,136 words
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SSC Gives A Graduation Speech
Scott Alexander gives a satirical graduation speech questioning the value of formal education and proposing an alternative basic income system, emphasizing kindness and epistemic humility.
41 min read 6,240 words
SSC
Nerds Can Be Bees, Too
Scott Alexander explores the concept of the 'hive switch' in nerds, realizing that they can experience group unity when they find the right in-group.
12 min read 1,784 words
SSC
You Kant Dismiss Universalizability
Scott Alexander reevaluates Kant's philosophy of universalizability, applying it to modern ethical dilemmas and exploring its relationship with utilitarianism.
19 min read 2,851 words
SSC
More Links For May 2014
Scott Alexander shares a diverse collection of interesting links and brief commentaries on topics ranging from pollution solutions to genetic discoveries and cultural differences.
6 min read 837 words
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Getting A Therapist
Scott Alexander discusses finding therapists, shares a helpful resource, and asks readers for therapist recommendations in specific areas.
2 min read 271 words
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Weak Men Are Superweapons
Scott Alexander examines how 'weak men' arguments can be weaponized to unfairly discredit entire groups, forcing defensive coalitions and unnecessary conflicts.
20 min read 2,956 words
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Infinite Debt
Scott Alexander examines the concept of infinite debts in personal and societal contexts, proposing a practical approach of paying manageable 'interest' rather than attempting full repayment.
12 min read 1,834 words
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Vote On Values, Outsource Beliefs
Scott Alexander explores social impact bonds as a potential way to use corporate greed to solve social problems more efficiently than current government programs.
10 min read 1,538 words
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Evening Doc
Scott Alexander presents a parody of 'Piano Man' from a doctor's perspective, humorously portraying hospital life and patient care.
3 min read 401 words
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Not Even A Real Links Post, Just A Blatant Ad
Scott Alexander promotes a charity event, encouraging donations to MIRI or Sankara Eye Foundation to help them win valuable services.
2 min read 213 words
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Not Even A Real Links Post, Just A Link
Scott reflects on his hasty utopian science post, viewing it as a success for prompting Robin Hanson to expand on academic prediction markets.
1 min read 55 words
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Emotionally Valent Links Post
Scott shares emotionally charged thoughts on various topics, including education, relationships, free speech, rape statistics, medical residency, and a humorous Hitler anecdote.
9 min read 1,298 words
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Causal Models At Work
Scott Alexander shares two humorous medical anecdotes that highlight the potential for misunderstanding complex health information.
2 min read 171 words
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Links For May 2014
A monthly links post collecting and commenting on various interesting articles and studies from around the web, ranging from scientific research to philosophy to economics.
14 min read 2,117 words
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Utopian Science
Scott Alexander proposes a utopian scientific system using prediction markets and impartial researchers to eliminate bias and efficiently resolve controversies.
14 min read 2,059 words
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The Control Group Is Out Of Control
Scott Alexander critiques a meta-analysis supporting psychic phenomena to illustrate flaws in scientific methodology and meta-analysis.
33 min read 4,998 words
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Stop Confounding Yourself! Stop Confounding Yourself!
Scott criticizes a study linking childhood bullying to negative adult outcomes, arguing that its method of controlling for confounders is inadequate and proposing alternative explanations for the correlation.
9 min read 1,299 words
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Metaphors Be With You
Scott Alexander presents an extensive collection of humorous and creative metaphors, similes, and other figurative language from various sources.
14 min read 2,166 words
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Friendship Is Countersignaling
Scott examines how friends use verbal teasing or 'slagging' as a form of countersignaling to demonstrate the strength of their friendship.
6 min read 921 words
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Right Is The New Left
Scott Alexander examines his sudden shift towards conservatism, proposing it may be part of a broader trend of intellectuals differentiating themselves from mainstream leftism.
31 min read 4,759 words
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The Economics Of Art And The Art Of Economics
Scott Alexander argues for selling Detroit's museum art based on a cost-benefit analysis, emphasizing the value of quantitative thinking in decision-making.
4 min read 581 words
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