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The Theme of Rationality as Depicted by Yudkowsky in Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality
Macků, Kateřina ; Topolovská, Tereza (advisor) ; Ženíšek, Jakub (referee)
This thesis aims to explore the theme of rationality as it is developed in Eliezer Yudkowsky's fan fiction series Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality (2010). The theoretical part provides an introduction to the concept of fan fiction and studies its position within the contemporary literary context, introduces Eliezer Yudkowsky and his work, explores his background as a rationalist, and focuses on the topics of Bayes' Theorem, Bayesian reasoning and cognitive biases, which are incorporated into Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality. The practical part then draws upon the concepts established in the theoretical part and exemplifies Yudkowsky's use of rationalist concepts, specifically as a central theme of the narrative and how it shapes the character and actions of Harry Potter and other characters. It demonstrates Yudkowsky's use of rational concepts and also evaluates how the theme of rationality adds intrigue to the plot and drives it forward. By examining key moments and characterisation throughout the narrative, the thesis then assesses the effectiveness of Yudkowsky's advocacy for rationality and the way in which rationality is portrayed. KEYWORDS Eliezer Yudkowsky, rationality, fan fiction, cognitive biases, Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality
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