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> There are few conspiracies in the world. There are many systems with complicated decision-making processes, internal data flows, and incentive structures for
by BerislavLopac 7y ago
> There are few conspiracies in the world. There are many systems with complicated decision-making processes, internal data flows, and incentive structures for actors within them.
The second sentence here is absolutely correct, but it directly contradicts the first one. Because a "conspiracy" is nothing more than having a group of those actors, with aligned incentives, coordinating to work together while hiding that coordination with other actors whose incentives are in opposition.
- robocat 7y agoI disagree. The second sentence is about uncoordinated actors making decisions, without anyone conspiring together. The emergent behaviour may look like a conspiracy, which is what he is pointing out.
- BerislavLopac 7y agoWhat is the difference between "looking like a conspiracy" and "being a conspiracy"?
- NateEag 7y agoThe actors' intent. Actual conspiracies involve deceit, misdirection, and ill will. "Never attribute to malice that which can adequately be explained by incompetence." It's not a perfect rule, but it is a helpful idea to keep in mind.