Difference between revisions of "Rationality"
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Mattsidedish (talk | contribs) (I added to the explanation of each type of rationality, why rationality is important, and how to incorporate both types of rationality to create the most rational outcome.) |
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| − | '''Rationality''' is the characteristic of thinking and acting optimally. An agent is rational if it wields its intelligence in such a way as to maximize the convergence between its beliefs and reality; and acts on these beliefs in such a manner as to maximize its chances of achieving whatever goals it has | + | '''Rationality''' is the characteristic of thinking and acting optimally. An agent is rational if it wields its intelligence in such a way as to maximize the convergence between its beliefs and reality; and acts on these beliefs in such a manner as to maximize its chances of achieving whatever goals it has. For humans, this means mitigating (as much as possible) the influence of [http://wiki.lesswrong.com/wiki/Bias cognitive biases]. |
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==Epistemic rationality== | ==Epistemic rationality== | ||
| − | Epistemic rationality is that part of rationality which involves achieving accurate beliefs about the world. It involves [[updating]] on receiving new [[evidence]], mitigating cognitive biases, and examining why you believe what you believe | + | Epistemic rationality is that part of rationality which involves achieving accurate beliefs about the world. It involves [[updating]] on receiving new [[evidence]], mitigating cognitive biases, and examining why you believe what you believe. |
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==Instrumental rationality== | ==Instrumental rationality== | ||
Instrumental rationality is concerned with achieving goals. More specifically, instrumental rationality is the art of choosing and ''implementing'' actions that steer the future toward outcomes ranked higher in one's preferences. Said preferences are not limited to 'selfish' preferences or unshared values; they include anything one cares about. | Instrumental rationality is concerned with achieving goals. More specifically, instrumental rationality is the art of choosing and ''implementing'' actions that steer the future toward outcomes ranked higher in one's preferences. Said preferences are not limited to 'selfish' preferences or unshared values; they include anything one cares about. | ||
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==Blog posts== | ==Blog posts== | ||
Revision as of 05:10, 24 December 2013
Rationality is the characteristic of thinking and acting optimally. An agent is rational if it wields its intelligence in such a way as to maximize the convergence between its beliefs and reality; and acts on these beliefs in such a manner as to maximize its chances of achieving whatever goals it has. For humans, this means mitigating (as much as possible) the influence of cognitive biases.
Contents
Epistemic rationality
Epistemic rationality is that part of rationality which involves achieving accurate beliefs about the world. It involves updating on receiving new evidence, mitigating cognitive biases, and examining why you believe what you believe.
Instrumental rationality
Instrumental rationality is concerned with achieving goals. More specifically, instrumental rationality is the art of choosing and implementing actions that steer the future toward outcomes ranked higher in one's preferences. Said preferences are not limited to 'selfish' preferences or unshared values; they include anything one cares about.
Blog posts
- What Do We Mean By "Rationality"?
- The Martial Art of Rationality
- Your Rationality is My Business
- Why truth? And...
- All Less Wrong posts tagged "Rationality"
