Sequence

Thinking Clearly

A sequence on rationality, epistemology, and the tools of clear thought — from the basics of rational belief-formation through logic, truth, and probabilistic reasoning.

6 posts

1. Rationality

   Most people have a rough idea of what rationality means. Most of those ideas are wrong.

2. Critical Thinking

   Critical thinking has become a corporate buzzword. Almost no one can define it. This is a painful irony.

3. Epistemology

   Epistemology is the study of knowledge — what we think we know, and why. You cannot reason about anything else without committing to this first.

4. Logic

   Logic is about validity, not truth. An argument can be perfectly valid and entirely false. The distinction matters.

5. Truth

   To deny truth is to make a claim you treat as true. The self-refuting quality of thoroughgoing subjectivism — and why truth matters.

6. Probability

   Expected utility tells you what happens in the long run, not what happens next. Most people have not fully internalized this.