https://iai.tv/articles/a-defence-of-progress-auid-1289
created by IAI_Admin on 26/01/2020 at 17:00 UTC
0 upvotes, 4 top-level comments (showing 4)
Comment by [deleted] at 26/01/2020 at 17:59 UTC*
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Here's David Deutsch *explaining* the principle of optimism[1].
1: https://youtu.be/lX-K63pVPTM
Considering one self a pessimist or an optimist, in the sense that, more often than not, one looks to the future with a belief that things will turn out better rather than worse, and vice versa, as well accusing other people of being pessimists or optimists, is admitting to slight irrationality, and accusing others of irrationality, in both cases. This is because we make these predictions of the future without an explanation for why we do so, which is the definition of prophecy.
Deutsch sees this and offers an explanation of why the principle of optimism, the statement that all evils are caused by lack of knowledge, is true. Optimism in his sense isn't a naive expectation that one of the best possible outcomes will probably come true, it is an explanatory theory of failure, and acting in accordance to it is the rational thing to do.
In his book "The Beginning of Infinity" he goes in depth on this principle.
Comment by therealbobsteel at 26/01/2020 at 19:19 UTC
2 upvotes, 2 direct replies
The core untruth of optimism is the world is at last composed of only individuals, and the fate of each person is and will remain tragic. Is life getting better? Yes, but for me and for you and for everyone soon enough things will be getting worse, then much worse. Decline and Fall is the future, not Progress.
Comment by BernardJOrtcutt at 26/01/2020 at 17:59 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
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Comment by rodaeric at 28/01/2020 at 02:02 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Interesting this is posted here, with any sort of non-verifiable accusations within.
None the less, I would say that I heartily agree. I've vehemently refused to regret any choice I've made in my life. The idea being, if only that I dress it up as something else, that if I refuse to regret it then I can accept I need to always make the right choice the first time with the knowledge I have. I feel this is related because it allows me to be more positive about the predicaments I end up in. As is known, making even the right choice can still end up in the wrong situation. This disconnect from second guessing prior choices is extremely mood-lifting.