When is it acceptable to use inductive reasoning in regards to people?

[deleted] · 2014-07-23T06:36:10+00:00

Dude, inductive reasoning is how we make every single judgment about everyone ever. Deduction only can happen after axioms are created, not vice versa.

That being said, not all inductions are correct. Some methods are more reliable than others. Are women a subset from which sound inductions can be made? Absolutely yes.

I dislike the blue pill view that creates an unnecessary dichotomy. They present the issue that each person must be judged purely as an individual and not as their stereotypes. Fuck off! Of course each person is different and has unique qualities, I'm not a fucking idiot. But seriously, are they thinking that most people don't fall into stereotypical categories? I'm not necessarily saying all stereotypes are legitimate; I'm just saying that stereotyping doesnt necessitate wrongness. In fact, rigorous stereotyping will statistically make you more right than wrong. It comes down to how willing you are to abandon false stereotypes. I don't believe in them if they are unnecessary. I do not agree that TRP stereotypes are accurate; in my view they serve a different function. My stereotyping is as minimal as I can make it, until I get to stereotypes so undeniably sound that no kne would deny them: I'm not going to watch my back around an old, well-groomed lady in a dark alley, but I will around a young poor-looking man. It's stereotyping but goddamn if anyone is enough of a bullshitter to say they don't do the same.

Do you know why we can read the plays of Aristophanes from nearly 3,000 years ago and it is still hilarious? Because being human does exist within set bounds. Philosophers then and now have the same stereotypes, men still show stupid chest-beating egotism and true, respectable honor. There's still wars (maybe not between nations, but you've all seen divisiveness as such) fought over women. There are elements and such of being human that aren't being wished away by cultural narratives and egalitarian ethics. It really just may be the case that its possible to stereotype sexual preferences. Culture is irrelevant! If you can game the culture, the game it.

I feel I'm rambling now so I will rap it up: give literally every single person the benefit of a doubt, go do it. Fully honestly. Try to eliminate "artificial" stereotyping, see what you find. As it turns out, if you don't judge books by their covers, then you end up reading a whole lot of shitty books.

Every snowflake may be unique, but they're still only one in a snowstorm.

drok007 · 2014-07-23T00:23:46+00:00

Everyone uses inductive reasoning to a degree, it's why stereotypes exist, and without some level of stereotyping we wouldn't really be able to function properly as a society.

The difference generally speaking is how much weight people put into stereotypes and what associations certain stereotypes have to certain people. Personally I do use first impressions to gather basic ideas of what I think a person will be like, I'd be lying if I said otherwise, but I also am willing to change that perception as needed when new evidence is presented. And as long as you only use inductive reasoning for first impressions and adapt your views once you start talking to someone, I would say it's perfectly healthy.

The issue you see in the instance of both sides here is the whole us vs. them mentality. TRP and TBP both do this and it just results in mudslinging and is used as an excuse to bash the opposition. In this context it takes away from rational debate and I would argue it's natural human behaviour but it's the negative irrational side of human behaviour we should try to avoid slipping into.

Additionally, TRP is based around stereotyping women and treating those stereotypes as absolutes. That too is bad for the exact same reason. It's nothing more than another us vs. them mentality.

[deleted] · 2014-07-23T14:20:43+00:00

[permanently deleted]

asd1100 · 2014-07-23T15:03:10+00:00

Always, human nature can not be isolated, all experiment undertook in controled conditions are invalid in the real world. Answers on delicate issues at best mask real attitudes and sometimes can be completely distinct from actual attitudes or beliefs. Also all questionnaires can offer us is a glimpse into someones private life, it is unreasonable that we have the expectation that they let the researcher into the inner intricasies of what fundamentally is antisocial behavior. They most often than not hate thinking about it and that is if they do, because most people cover it up with denial and rationalisation.

RadaNotaTaakaDaPills · 2014-07-23T18:34:08+00:00

I think inductive reasoning can lead to interesting thought experiments and potentially lead to less risky decision making in regards to people.

Let's just say that you need people to help you for whatever reason for some critical job or task.

If through inductive reasoning you come to the conclusion that everyone is a virtuous saint, and you act like everyone is caring, responsible, and virtuous, that one jerk that comes along and betrays your trust will take quite a bit of skin off you once he's thrown you under the bus.

On the other hand, if inductive reasoning leads you to believe that all people are evil, selfish demons, then you can guard yourself against certain abuses. Everyone can backstab you, so you guard yourself until you can be sure that they aren't all evil.

I think that the TRP has a lot of issues due to its no censor policy. For example, redpillschool gains a lot of hate for extreme, sexist generalizations because he makes extreme sexist generalizations so blatantly. However, if as a result of his extreme reasoning he can make more net positive decisions that get him laid, or maintain relationships, or whatever, then good for him.

To me everyone has the capacity to be good or evil. I personally think making decisions based off the premise that everyone can be evil is not a bad thing. Keep you on your feet. Being good and being bad is not mutually exclusive either. People can be both.

la_sabotage · 2014-07-24T00:41:24+00:00

It's funny, if anything TRP is all about rejecting induction in favor of deductive argumentation.

Title	When is it acceptable to use inductive reasoning in regards to people?
Author	drok007
Upvotes	7
Comments	47
Date	July 23, 2014 12:14 AM UTC (12 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/PurplePillDebate
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/PurplePillDebate/comments/2bg44x/when_is_it_acceptable_to_use_inductive_reasoning/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/PurplePillDebate/when-is-it-acceptable-to-use-inductive-reasoning.285265 https://theredarchive.com/post/285265

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