LW
2013 Survey Results
Scott Alexander presents comprehensive results from the 2013 Less Wrong community survey, covering demographics, beliefs, and behavioral patterns of 1636 respondents.
38 min read 5,884 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
Genetic Testing and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Scott Alexander critiques a study suggesting knowledge of ApoE4 gene status affects memory performance, arguing the results may be due to priming or stereotype threat rather than actual memory decline.
5 min read 734 words
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Ten Things I Want To Stop Seeing On The Internet In 2014
Scott Alexander humorously criticizes ten irritating internet trends he hopes will end in 2014, ranging from overused words to memes and logical fallacies.
10 min read 1,549 words
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A Response To Apophemi on Triggers
Scott Alexander responds to an essay about trigger warnings in rationalist spaces, arguing that the community's purpose is dispassionate discussion and that everyone, not just marginalized groups, has triggers.
47 min read 7,238 words
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Aretaeus On Bipolar Disorder
Scott compares ancient and modern descriptions of bipolar disorder, finding significant similarities that suggest the condition is biologically grounded rather than culturally determined.
7 min read 941 words
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Links for January
A collection of interesting links covering topics from Mormon facial recognition to migraine treatments to housing policy, with Scott's analysis and commentary on each.
15 min read 2,192 words
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Marijuana: Much More Than You Wanted To Know
Scott Alexander examines evidence on marijuana legalization's effects on usage, health, and drug war costs, finding uncertainties too large for firm conclusions but suggesting traffic accidents may be the key factor.
41 min read 6,326 words
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Two Dark Side Statistics Papers
Scott Alexander reviews two papers exposing statistical manipulation techniques in psychology research and addiction treatment program evaluations.
14 min read 2,049 words
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The Spirit Of The First Amendment
Scott Alexander argues for a legitimate 'spirit of the First Amendment' that protects the marketplace of ideas, criticizing tactics that silence rather than address arguments.
10 min read 1,520 words
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A Comment I Posted On “What Would JT Do?”
Scott Alexander, though pro-gay rights, criticizes the suspension of Phil Robertson for his comments, arguing for broader societal tolerance of differing views beyond legal requirements.
5 min read 735 words
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[REPOST] A Christmas Poem
Scott Alexander shares a humorous Christmas poem parodying Dr. Seuss and the biblical story of King Herod, exploring the true meaning of Christmas.
4 min read 523 words
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We Are All MsScribe
Scott Alexander compares the MsScribe Harry Potter fandom drama to his experiences in online micronations, arguing that such behavior reflects universal human social dynamics.
14 min read 2,059 words
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Public Awareness Campaigns
Scott Alexander examines the mixed effectiveness of public awareness campaigns, presenting examples of both failures and successes, and analyzing possible explanations for their varying outcomes.
11 min read 1,634 words
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Less Wrong, More Rite (II)
Scott Alexander discusses the Rationalist Solstice Ritual, exploring how 'cringeworthiness' can strengthen communities and the challenges atheists face in community-building.
14 min read 2,093 words
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Statistical Literacy Among Doctors Now Lower Than Chance
Scott Alexander analyzes a study revealing poor statistical literacy among doctors, critiquing both the study and its implications for medical decision-making.
7 min read 1,019 words
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More Links For December
Scott Alexander shares a diverse collection of interesting links and brief commentary on topics ranging from historical anecdotes to recent technological and scientific developments.
11 min read 1,559 words
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Papal PR
Scott Alexander examines Pope Francis's PR-friendly actions, questioning why previous Popes didn't employ similar strategies and considering how this shift reflects changing public values.
5 min read 709 words
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A Something Sort Of Like Left-Libertarianism-ist Manifesto
Scott Alexander advocates for a political philosophy combining free markets with social welfare, proposing market-based alternatives to current welfare programs and regulations.
23 min read 3,475 words
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More Fictional Drugs Banned By The FDA
Scott Alexander presents a satirical list of fictional drugs banned by the FDA, each with an absurd reason for its prohibition.
4 min read 563 words
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Empire/Forest Fire
Scott Alexander critiques the Reactionary concept of 'left singularity', arguing that reigns of terror typically follow repressive right-wing regimes rather than gradual leftward shifts in democracies.
15 min read 2,191 words
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Links for December
Scott shares various interesting links and studies, covering topics from education research and IQ testing to controversial social issues and scientific discoveries, while adding his commentary on each.
13 min read 1,878 words
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The Story Of Thanksgiving Is A Science-Fiction Story
Scott Alexander reframes the Thanksgiving story as a science fiction narrative to highlight its overlooked complexities and darker aspects.
8 min read 1,138 words
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A Letter I Will Probably Send To The FDA
Scott Alexander drafts a letter to the FDA arguing against their decision to halt 23andMe's genetic testing services, highlighting the benefits and addressing the FDA's concerns.
14 min read 2,049 words
LW
2013 Less Wrong Census/Survey
Scott announces the 2013 Less Wrong Census/Survey, urging all readers to participate in the main survey (10-15 minutes) plus optional extra credit questions, with clear instructions for standardized responses and a deadline of December 31st, 2013.
4 min read 473 words
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