Simulacrum Levels

Applied to Kinds of Motivation by Sable ago
Applied to Notes on Innocence by David Gross ago

One way to test which level someone is on is what would make them say the opposite of what they say now:

  • Level 1: If they see enough evidence in the opposite direction.
  • Level 2: If people begin responding the opposite way to the same statement.
  • Level 3: If your group starts saying the opposite.
  • Level 4: If you benefit more from saying the opposite.

"The wicked understand, acknowledge and value the Wise—they depend on the Wise for their own cynical gain. The simple don’t see the point of wisdom. Those who do not know how to ask don’t even know wisdom is a thing." - The Four Children of the Seder as the Simulacra Levels

Applied to How to Bounded Distrust by Tobias D. ago
Applied to Simulators by Noosphere89 ago

Some moreMore descriptions of the four levels:

  • Level 1: A court reflects justice.
  • Level 2: A corrupt judge distorts justice.
  • Level 3: A Soviet show trial conceals the absence of real Soviet courts.
  • Level 4: A trial by ordeal or trial by combat lacks and denies the concept of justice entirelyentirely.

 Zvi describes the four children of the Seder (Passover) as the four (and one extra) simulacrum levels:

  • Level 1: The wise child.
  • Level 2: The wicked child.
  • Level 3: The simple child.
  • Level 4: The one who does not know how to ask.
  • Level 5: The one who is not there.

"The wicked understand, acknowledge and value the Wise—they depend on the Wise for their own cynical gain. The simple don’t see the point of wisdom. Those who do not know how to ask don’t even know wisdom is a thing." - The Four Children of the Seder as the Simulacra Levels