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Overcoming Bias Commenter's avatar

The problem with Vladimir's definition of silliness as (being in part) that which doesn't attract reproductive females (playing in garage bands, collecting stamps etc) is that the reason these reproductive females aren't attracted is because they think these are silly pursuits. So we haven't actually made any progress in our definition here, beyond that we should trust the good sense of women regarding what qualifies as silly.

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In general, I think silliness is a reflection of how (non) 'useful' or 'relevant' something might seem to be. So in one end of the spectrum we have things that appear so far fetched and distant they seem irrelevant to the present or mid term future(like in Scott's examples) and on the other we have things that seem so 'obvious' and proximal (I'm really not sure if this is the right word..buy anyway..I'm thinking of the belly buttons) that they also seem irrelevant. Then theres a big mesh in the center of things people consider to be silly because of this lack of relevance.. Now, what determines if something is useful and/or relevant to individuals (or groups..)? we may have some universal wants and needs (things that reflect in higher fitness for example-Vladimirs post) but then theres a great mesh thats influenced by culture.... i also think, as Phil says, that culture is the largest component..I was tempted to say that people who have never heard of science fiction per se, when asked what they thought of research on aliens might also say it is very silly.. but then again maybe not and maybe they would not deem it silly at all (as they have no contact with the stereotypes of science fiction and believe in creatures-aliens that harm livestock, crops..etc.)... but if you ask it compared to other research topics (tests on flu-drugs) then the silliness might kick in..so when considering it in research topics that 'relative' silliness might be quite important.

I also agree (Phil) that even though someone mentioned above that string theory is not considered silly (here), I would say that probably the majority of people, at least in western countries (where I have been) still consider it silly.. and thats where McCain comes in saying studies of bears DNA is also silly. I dont think it is..but how could we (can we) convince him otherwise? because of its use? (relevance..)-maybe. I might say because of bears inherent right to exist but he might think thats silly so where do we go from there?

anyway..bye!

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