Comment by kei on Self-Improvement or Shiny Distraction: Why Less Wrong is anti-Instrumental Rationality · 2010-09-15T08:25:31.123Z · LW · GW

Hi

I am a new reader of less wrong. I don't really understand all the articles that are put up here including this one, but I like the idea of sharpening instrumental rationality to achieve your goals.

I have the following question: 1)

i have the experience/insight that having the skills or the will [i] to choose the right goals [ii] should come before [iii] gaining the skills to achieving your goals effectively (aka instrumental rationality)

My question is can rationality help in this pursuit of choosing the right goals?

[i] i am not sure if the skills to choose the right goals is equivalent or the subset of epistemic rationality. I hope someone can confirm either way for me.

[ii] by right goals i mean intrinsic goals and not instrumental goals as defined by the manga book by Dan Pink http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Johnny-Bunko-Career-Guide/dp/1594482918 I do not have a sound argument for following this definition, but my instinct and my life experience tells me so far that it is right for me. Again I hope someone can confirm either way.

[iii] i really mean come before, not more important. As in you put on your undies before putting on your pants, not that putting on your undies is more important than putting on your pants.

Thank you.