Can you teach yourself?

[robvalue]

A fine example of this in action is crap like the Kalam argument and its horrible relatives. People think that by watching a few things, drawing very basic conclusions, constructing an apparent paradox then assuming the existence of something which must fix this paradox, they can think themselves through the Planck time barrier.

[Longhorn]

Yes. Just belive in yourself.

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It seems that one thing which cannot be self-taught is how to spell 'believe'.  

*nervous twitch*

...and now it's too late to edit it ._.

[IATIA]

No, one cannot teach themselves something they do not know. The theory of relativity was brand new and required no hands on, but it was still formulated from a foundation, so I have to agree that without some foundation of some sort, something brand new cannot be known, developed, created or whatever.

[robvalue]

Douglas Adams would have us believe that there is an interconnectedness to all things. If you can ask the right questions about anything, you can found out the answers about everything.

But not so much in his most popular book.

[drfuzzy]

Well, provided your reading and cognitive skills are good, and this is something that can be learned by text - history, math, most science, philosophy, etc. - sure. If there is something you need to have demonstrated, (such as a simple home repair, fixing a cellphone screen, etc.) and you have access to a good video - sure, although it could be argued that whoever created the video was your teacher.  You can even learn to speak a language now with the help of various software applications - as long as you choose one that gives great examples, can listen to your input, and give you good feedback.  Again, it could be argued that the software served as an instructor. 
   However, if it is a physical skill that requires flawless technique, no.  You can teach yourself to play guitar chords, but you cannot teach yourself to play advanced classical works, because a flawless economy of movement is required to be able to play the right notes at the right time, with the right balance of tone, song-like phrasing, and dynamic expression.  Anybody can strap on ice skates and learn to stay upright while moving forward, but just try to learn how to do a triple lutz without a good coach.
  So, the short answer I would give to the "can I teach myself?" question is: it depends upon what you are trying to learn, and what level of skill you want to attain.

[robvalue]

This is my brother doing that ridiculously hard track on Guitar Hero 3. This kind of skill can't be taught.

http://youtu.be/3thy7tKK0fU

[Heat]

This is my brother doing that ridiculously hard track on Guitar Hero 3. This kind of skill can't be taught.

http://youtu.be/3thy7tKK0fU

I know right, how does he get so much leverage when jumping to the bed? Truly amazing.

[robvalue]

I taught him everything I don't know, but not everything he doesn't know that I know.

It's a shame we don't get on any more, we used to be great pals. But he's still got awesome stuff on the net I like to watch.

[Heat]

I taught him everything I don't know, but not everything he doesn't know that I know.

It's a shame we don't get on any more, we used to be great pals. But he's still got awesome stuff on the net I like to watch.

So let me get this straight.

He doesn't know that you know that you don't know, but he thinks you taught him what you know and what he doesn't know is that you know he doesn't know what you know but since you know nose goes and he doesn't know you know nose goes, 


Tricked ya.

[robvalue]

Yeah, I think you got it. No wonder we don't get on, it was just getting too complicated.