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The Bayesian Conspiracy 260 – The Right to be Wrong About Doom
Apr 15, 2026
They debate how far the right to be wrong should extend, especially around controversial AI doom claims. Tensions from a Twitter kerfuffle and community norms about shaming and tolerance come up. They weigh comparisons to historical moral culpability, discuss violence as a tactic, and stress law, policy, and global coordination as responses to systemic risks.
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Episode notes
Right To Be Wrong As A Community Norm
- Rationalist communities prioritize a strong norm: people have the right to be wrong without being socially ostracized.
- Eneasz describes an Inkhaven visitor who felt relieved he could discuss taboo ideas (e.g., eugenics) without being labeled evil.
Violence Ends Tolerance For Wrong Views
- Hosts draw a clear moral boundary: violence is where the 'right to be wrong' ends.
- Steven gives the Molotov-at-Sam-Altman example to show violent acts remove space for productive engagement.
Friendship With Someone Who Votes Differently
- Eneasz recounts befriending a conservative book-club member and realizing people can hold sincerely different values yet be good people.
- This personal example supports tolerating disagreement while still challenging ideas.