On (invoking) the Impartial Observer
11-20-2023
, 01:12 AM
It was Nick Szabo formalization of Smith's TWON that had me seriously interested in TOMS.
He synthesized new computer science theory with centuries old observations on the nature of our economy and translated it into formal math. When I read this I connected the style with a section in the bitcoin whitepaper where satoshi translates sigma notation to code (namely a 'for loop').
Smith's writing is very much balanced and balancing observations. He is the ultimately purple talker. He gives the red, then he gives the blue.
In TOMS (which I am not near finished studying but I claim here to have gained a special insight from) Smith explains the concept of the 'impartial spectator'. Its a very powerful concept that I think will change our interactions (although perhaps at first some need to trip up on it. The impartial observer is something that can be 'invoked' in each of us, and therefore is always there implicitly to play its role. And as we understand, quickly, the importance of invoking the impartial observer I think then we will understand chatGTP and similar technology will be used as tools to invoke the impartial observer.
Quote:
Combine this with Metcalfe's Law and we reach a dramatic but solid mathematical conclusion: the potential value of a land transportation network is the inverse fourth power of the cost of that transportation. A reduction in transportation costs in a trade network by a factor of two increases the potential value of that network by a factor of sixteen. ...
Spoiler:
He synthesized new computer science theory with centuries old observations on the nature of our economy and translated it into formal math. When I read this I connected the style with a section in the bitcoin whitepaper where satoshi translates sigma notation to code (namely a 'for loop').
Spoiler:
Smith's writing is very much balanced and balancing observations. He is the ultimately purple talker. He gives the red, then he gives the blue.
In TOMS (which I am not near finished studying but I claim here to have gained a special insight from) Smith explains the concept of the 'impartial spectator'. Its a very powerful concept that I think will change our interactions (although perhaps at first some need to trip up on it. The impartial observer is something that can be 'invoked' in each of us, and therefore is always there implicitly to play its role. And as we understand, quickly, the importance of invoking the impartial observer I think then we will understand chatGTP and similar technology will be used as tools to invoke the impartial observer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TOMS
“We endeavour to examine our own conduct as we imagine any other fair and impartial spectator would examine it. If, upon bringing the case home to ourselves, we find that it does not coincide with our own sense of propriety, we reject it immediately.”
"When I endeavour to examine my own conduct... I divide myself, as it were, into two persons; and that I, the examiner and judge, represent a different character from that other I, the person whose conduct is examined into and judged of."
"The man within the breast, the abstract and ideal spectator of our sentiments and conduct, requires at our hands this particular refinement of justice."
"By the imagination we place ourselves in his [the impartial spectator's] situation... We enter into his sentiments and become in some measure the same person with him."
"It is reason, principle, conscience, the inhabitant of the breast, the man within, the great judge and arbiter of our conduct."
"When I endeavour to examine my own conduct... I divide myself, as it were, into two persons; and that I, the examiner and judge, represent a different character from that other I, the person whose conduct is examined into and judged of."
"The man within the breast, the abstract and ideal spectator of our sentiments and conduct, requires at our hands this particular refinement of justice."
"By the imagination we place ourselves in his [the impartial spectator's] situation... We enter into his sentiments and become in some measure the same person with him."
"It is reason, principle, conscience, the inhabitant of the breast, the man within, the great judge and arbiter of our conduct."
