On: 'We Like Lists Because We Don't Want to Die'

[xinsight]

Even with nested lists, I'm still not clear why this is such a powerful concept.

How do lists help us to think?

[nazgulnarsil → xinsight]

before you have a solid ontological understanding of a concept, lacking powerful descriptive axioms we're forced to rely on a list of characteristics e.g. intrinsic properties, how it interacts with other objects, etc. if we restrict ourselves to things we already have a vigorous understanding of how will we consider new hypothesis?

I'm not sure if this is coming through right.

[phr → nazgulnarsil]

Reminds me of interfaces in Google Go. No rigid class hierarchy to cram our objects into. Just implement a list of methods and you're good.

[anigbrowl → xinsight]

by establishing the concept of scope and discriminatory criteria for inclusion or exclusion. Look up 'bongard problems' and appreciate that while some are based around topological or temporal progression, others require cataloging random arrangements and establishing membership criteria.