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"How to Solve It" by Polya is a great book about general techniques for solving hard math problems. It also contains a warning: "[...]if we're not careful, the
by praptak 6y ago
"How to Solve It" by Polya is a great book about general techniques for solving hard math problems. It also contains a warning: "[...]if we're not careful, the next generation of students will be able to talk the hind leg off a donkey about the thought-processes involving in solving problems but will be able to operate only at a very low level in terms of content."
My (admittedly untestable or at least hard to test) hypothesis is that people who identify themselves as rationalists fell into this trap.
- goostavos 6y agoIt's an easy trap to fall into. Reading and thinking about how you'll think when you need to solve that hard problem is waaaay easier than actually solving the hard problem. Plus, you get this little bonus of still feeling like your doing something productive -- "I'm just sharpening the axe really quick." Meanwhile, no actual work is done.