Evolution and the 'Wisdom of Crowds'

An anonymous reader writes "An essay by a developer of recommendation systems makes a case for why so many people have trouble grasping Darwin's theory of evolution. Downplaying its conflict with religion, the essay suggests that evolution is in a specific class of "equilibrium seeking" concepts that tend to be extremely counterintuitive to most people. The hypothesis is supported by the observation that so many people reject the notion that evolution-like systems such as Wikipedia, prediction markets, and recommendation systems can actually be effective. Particularly fascinating is the description of his surprisingly simple algorithm for competing in the Netflix prize contest."

Comments

typo

[clickclickdrone]

>why so many *Americans* have trouble grasping Darwin's theory of evolution
There, fixed it for you.

Re:typo

[thegnu]

Do kids ever get polled on these things?

NAMBLA polls kids all the time.

*ducks*

Re:language evolution

[heyguy]

Here's to hoping the language in your post evolves into a coherent one.

Evolution vs Wikipedia

[cynicsreport]

Those who doubt the veracity of 'evolution-like systems' such as "Wikipedia, prediction markets, and recommendation systems" should not be compared to those who argue against evolution. The Theory of Evolution has a great deal of scientific evidence supporting it; indeed, much of the 'theory' is actually considered scientific Fact.
While I support Wikipedia, I don't consider those who doubt its value to be idiots. Those who argue against evolution, on the other hand....

Re:So go and use evolution to program computers!

[freedom_india]

How do you think Windows ME was written?

Re:Religion vs Darwin vs Technology vs Society

[Starayo]

1) invent god(s)
2) market said gods
3) prophet
Fixed.

Re:Religion vs Darwin vs Technology vs Society

[Hognoxious]

One extra thing which I thought about was why the bloody hell would a God create us?

Have you ever drunk a lot of beer, woken up the next morning and gone through that special "I did what?" moment?

Re:"Wisdom Of Crowds"

[sco08y]

The "Wisdom Of Crowds" put George W Bush in power, twice.

Well, it only took 7 years, but you're finally past "denial." Good for you! With 6 more steps, you'll be cured of Bush Derangement Syndrome in about 42 years.

Re:He doesn't address the evolution of ideas

[dcollins]

"Atheists are capable of the worst atrocities by making Gods of themselves."

What a bunch of stinking horseshit. You religious types seriously can't have a discussion without seeing God here, there, everywhere, in your underwear. Get a grip, seriously.

Re:actually...

[Anonymous Coward]

And in one way or another, we're all atheists. Is the world worse off because people don't believe in Thor anymore?

Yes! I will smite you all with Mjolnir for your lack of faith. Just as soon as I find where Loki hid it. FOAD!

Love,

Thor

I suggest a new strategy, believe in the god.

[Boronx]

Except teapots don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they're disbelieved.

Re:Religion vs Darwin vs Technology vs Society

[DerangedAlchemist]

Actually Darwinian evolution makes that extremely unlikely. Anything as common as religion can not poses a selective disadvantage.

Exactly. Phobias of birth control are a reproductive advantage.

Re:Religion vs Darwin vs Technology vs Society

[focoma]

Alternatively, it is a tool used by some in society to control others. Use some peoples fear, uncertainties and doubts and offer them an easy, quick fix and watch the wealth and power flow in.

Random Roman Emperor: "Henceforth, everyone accused of Christianity shall be executed, unless they reject Christ and bow down before me."
Random Christian leader (to himself): Oh, I'd really like to live longer, but my greed outweighs my survival instinct. I'd rather die than lose all the wealth being poured down my pocket from all those gullible chumps I've been conning for the past few years.
RCL (to RRE): "I'm a Christian, and I'll never abandon my faith!!!"

Oh those silly Christians. Imagine that, all those martyred Christians in the past, none of them intelligent enough to simply reject their current money-making scheme and just invent another one when the coast is clear. So idiotic. Almost like they were conjured up by some atheist as a straw man argument...