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Getting Eulered
Scott Alexander explores the concept of 'Eulering' and strategies for dealing with complex mathematical arguments in non-mathematical debates.
19 min read 2,821 words
A thread through the archive
debate
Essays tagged “debate”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Essays on debate
89 essaysSSC
Random Noise Is Our Most Valuable Resource
Scott Alexander argues that creativity comes from mining external sources of 'noise' or 'disruption' rather than just thinking hard.
9 min read 1,389 words
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Unspoken Ground Assumptions Of Discussion
Scott Alexander explores five unspoken assumptions in discussions that can lead to misunderstandings and logical fallacies when not clarified.
6 min read 903 words
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Social Justice And Words, Words, Words
Scott Alexander critiques social justice terminology, arguing that words like 'privilege' and 'racism' are used as weapons rather than tools for understanding.
27 min read 4,178 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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Can It Be Wrong To Crystallize Patterns?
Scott Alexander examines the process of 'crystallizing patterns' in thinking, discussing its benefits and potential pitfalls across various domains.
15 min read 2,211 words
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Lies, Damned Lies, And Social Media (Part 5 of ∞)
Scott debunks viral misinformation about false rape accusation rates and provides more accurate estimates, while criticizing the spread of such inaccuracies in feminist circles.
27 min read 4,033 words
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Blogging The Anissimov – Smith Reaction Debate
Scott Alexander reviews and critiques a polite but underwhelming video debate between Noah Smith and Michael Anissimov on neoreactionary ideas.
21 min read 3,172 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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Arguments From My Opponent Believes Something
Scott Alexander outlines and criticizes ten fallacious argument styles that misrepresent an opponent's beliefs, demonstrating how they can be used to unfairly attack any position.
6 min read 806 words
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All Debates Are Bravery Debates
Scott Alexander argues that many debates are 'bravery debates' where different groups need opposing advice, making it challenging to target advice effectively.
14 min read 2,052 words
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A defense of logical positivism (yes, really)
Scott Alexander defends logical positivism, arguing that despite its flaws, it points to useful ideas about dividing meaningful statements into scientific and logical categories.
8 min read 1,217 words
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A Parable On Obsolete Ideologies
Scott uses a thought experiment about hypothetical "reformed" Nazis in post-war Germany to explore whether problematic ideologies can be successfully reformed or whether their symbols and texts inevitably carry harmful baggage.
14 min read 2,071 words
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Talking Snakes: A Cautionary Tale
Scott uses a conversation with a Muslim woman who found evolution absurd to show that the absurdity heuristic, as used in Bill Maher's "talking snake" argument, is a bad way to dismiss beliefs.
6 min read 844 words