“Deductions were made from the hypothesis; then the theory was further tested against new evidence, revised if need be, until finally the truth emerged with a probability close to certainty.” – Martin Gardner on Sherlock Holmes
“We approached the case…with an absolutely blank mind, which is always an advantage. We had formed no theories. We were there simply to observe and to draw inferences from our observations.” – Sherlock Holmes
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- 1-1a5a1 The process of argument starts in the middle, and doesn’t start with axioms and end with the conclusion
- There would be no need for a Turing test per se, if we had good explanation for how the program creates knowledge
- 1-2f1b3 Merely dropping a theory because it doesn’t work is behaviorism and is not error-correction. It’s analog reasoning in disguise. You need explanation.
- To say that “something is wrong” requires explanations
- Remember: it’s easier to say “this is wrong” than “this is right”
- 1-2f1b4 The content of a theory is in what it rules out (and how!)
- 1-2g2t3d Because creation (and growth) of knowledge is in essence error-correction, and because being wrong is way easier than being right, knowledge-creating-bearing entities will become more alike (and thrive) across the multiverse
- 5-1b1a1 Improving on already existent technology by removing one of its restraints amounts to innovation
- Remember: it’s easier to say “this is wrong” than “this is right”
- 1-2g2s7a Knowing probability doesn’t mean you can predict it
- 10-2g2e9b DNA is digital system which evolves by discrete changes. If it were analog, evolution couldn’t have happened.