Written: September 30, 2018 | Released: August 13, 2021
I think one of the big choices to be made in life (once basic needs are well met) is whether to try to optimize more for a life of stability or for a life of acceleration. There is a tension between these two types of lives because they imply making different decisions in many realms.
From what I can tell, the significant majority of people on this planet (even among those who have their basic needs already well met) seek a life that...
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skepticism
Correlation Coefficient as a Gateway to Skepticism
The correlation coefficient as a gateway to radical skepticism:Suppose you calculate that two variables are moderately correlated. For instance, you find that self-reported happiness has a correlation r=0.32 with self-reported willpower, as I found in one of my studies.
What are the possible explanations for (or causes of) this?
A Causes B - Increasing A is a cause of increasing B but not the reverse. [e.g., more happiness causes more willpower] (2) B Causes A - Increasing B is a cause ...
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Self-Skepticism
My talk "Self-Skepticism" at Skepticon 4 in Missouri. I discuss what led me to become skeptical of my decisions and beliefs, as well as what studies say about the reliability of our self-knowledge.
Click here for the talk slides.
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