Kevin Simler

Last night I tried to describe the rationalist community to a friend who had never heard of it. I struggled, but finally settled on describing it as "A school of philosophy that arose on the internet rather than in the academy."

How would you describe the rationalist community (to fresh ears)? And (while I have your attention) what are some other examples of fields born on the internet?

In general, I love the idea of para-academic communities - the notion that serious research communities can now arise completely in parallel to standard academia. But there's not a lot of examples I know of - most are connected to LW in some way.

I think this is incredibly important (as the university system is collapsing) and inspiring. I’d like to contribute, to the extent I can!

My vague sense is that para-academic fields suffer from being under-networked. A little too much of the non-joiner, "I'm going my own way" mentality. Not enough people building off each others' work.

I agree… the “weekend salon” we organized a year and a half ago, which you contributed to, was an attempt to address that. I expected to make that a series, but life events intervened… Funding is also a major issue, I think. Not many people can be a full-time para-academic.

You and Michael have both helped foster para-academic networks! But yeah, it's hard to sustain without funding/institutional support.