In 'Map and Territory,' Eliezer Yudkowsky explores the intricate relationship between our understanding of the world and the reality that lies beyond our perception. Through a compelling analysis of rationality, belief, and cognitive biases, he challenges readers to reassess their mental frameworks. The book is rich with thought experiments and philosophical insights, prompting deeper contemplation of how we model our environments. Prepare to navigate the complex terrain of knowledge, as Yudkowsky unravels the fine line between the map we create and the territory it represents. A fascinating journey awaits those willing to embark on this intellectual adventure.
By Eliezer Yudkowsky
Published: 2018
"The map is not the territory, but the territory is a part of the map we choose to navigate, shaping our understanding of reality as much as the truths we seek."
When human brains try to do things, they can run into some very strange problems. Self-deception, confirmation bias, magical thinking-it sometimes seems our ingenuity is boundless when it comes to shooting ourselves in the foot.In Map and Territory, decision theorist Eliezer Yudkowsky asks what a "martial art" of rationality would look like, beginning with the basic fighting stance-the orientation toward the world that lets us get the most bang for our cognitive buck, that best positions us to understand and react to brains' strange acts of self-destruction.
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“The map is not the territory, but the territory is a part of the map we choose to navigate, shaping our understanding of reality as much as the truths we seek.”
Map and Territory
By Eliezer Yudkowsky
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Eliezer Yudkowsky is an influential researcher and writer known for his work in artificial intelligence, rationality, and decision theory. He is a co-founder of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) and has contributed significantly to discussions on the implications of advanced AI. Yudkowsky is recognized for his thought-provoking essays and his ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner. Notable works include 'Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality', a fanfiction that reimagines the Harry Potter universe through the lens of rationalist principles, and a series of writings on the 'LessWrong' platform that focus on improving human reasoning and decision-making. His writing style is characterized by clarity, analytical depth, and a focus on fostering critical thinking.
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