One does not avoid incompetence if one makes an attempt…
“One does not avoid incompetence if one makes an attempt whose likelihood of success is too low. This seems little more than analytic: when the performance is in a domain that imposes standards of risk, attempts may or may not meet such standards. And the relevant competence of agents then includes reliably enough meeting those standards.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Attempting tasks with very low success odds doesn’t avoid incompetence; competence includes meeting risk standards reliably.
In simple terms: Low‑chance attempts still reflect competence if standards are met.
Key Takeaway
Assess risk and competence together.
Themes
epistemology
risk
competence
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- project planning
- investment analysis
- policy making
Key Concepts
probability
decision theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to attempt low‑probability tasks?
- How do standards shape competence judgments?
A Different Perspective
High‑risk tasks may be unethical despite competence.