Abstract Traditional philosophical skepticism targets truth claims, asking "How can we know this is true?" Deferential Realism applies skeptical analysis to constraint claims, asking instead "What type of constraint is this, and what does that imply for action?" This paper presents a novel epistemological framework that distinguishes natural constraints (Mountains) from coordination mechanisms (Ropes), extractive … Continue reading Deferential Realism: A Constraint-First Epistemology for Agency Under Uncertainty
Tag: skepticism
Chartism & Skepticism
"Chartism: ...Policymakers fall somewhere on the spectrum of pro-chart and anti-chart. Pro-chartists think that data can explain the world, and the more we have the better. But anti-chartists think that relentless data accumulation is misguided because it offers false certainty and misses the big picture interpretation. As the saying goes: "More fiction is written in … Continue reading Chartism & Skepticism
It is the Worry That Made the Work Good
"To write good software you must simultaneously keep two opposing ideas in your head. You need the young hacker's naive faith in his abilities, and at the same time the veteran's skepticism. You have to be able to think how hard can it be? with one half of your brain while thinking it will never … Continue reading It is the Worry That Made the Work Good
