> planetp@aci.net (Paul Hughes) writes:
> >Polymath list is a perfect case in point. The level of discussion is intelligent
> >but also completely inbred. I don't see much memetic evolution taking place there -
> >only the same ideas hashed over again, with an occasional new hypothesis to stir
> >things up.
>
> The polymath has had much more influence on my ideas in the past 6 months
> than the extropians list had over the past 2 years.
I too find the polymath list extremely valuable. A central feature
of the "inbreeding" that Paul speaks of consists of exploring a
smaller number of issues in greater depth than has been ever been
done before. (You could call this "penetration" if you want.)
_____________________________________________________
Nicholas Bostrom
Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
London School of Economics
n.bostrom@lse.ac.uk
http://www.hedweb.com/nickb