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"bad assumption + confirming response = uh oh"

100%, but as a rational being, my action on that response depends on the severity of the consequences of a wrong decision.

Hyperbolic example: I think I have cancer and suspect I might die in a year. I go to the doctor, she says "yes, you have cancer and are going to die in 6 months."

What do I do? I, personally, go get a second opinion. Even upon hearing a second time that I will die soon, when faced with death, I'm probably going to spend a little time doing my own research to see if there isn't some new trial out there for treating my condition.

On the other hand, if I ask a friend if the green apple lollipop they're eating tastes good and he responds it's one of the best flavors he's ever experienced, I'm probably going to give it a whirl, because the worst case outcome is just a sour face.



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