CF Dictionary · Error Correction & Learning
Bounded vs. Unbounded Progress
A CR distinction: progress is either bounded (limited to a known domain) or unbounded (open-ended across all of reality).
CR distinguishes bounded from unbounded progress:
- Bounded progress. Improvements within a defined problem space. Solve this equation. Fix this bug. Build this bridge.
- Unbounded progress. Open-ended growth across all of reality — new problems, new domains, new kinds of knowledge.
CF adopts the distinction. Most everyday progress is bounded. The possibility of unbounded progress is what justifies fallibilism-friendly institutions (open debate, free inquiry).
Why unbounded matters
- Justifies long-term projects. If only bounded progress is possible, large investments don't pay off.
- Justifies open-ended research. If there are no new problems to find, why fund basic research?
- Connects to Beginning of Infinity.
How unbounded progress is possible
- Evolution has no upper bound. New niches keep appearing.
- Knowledge creates new problems. Each solution reveals new questions.
- Tools create new tools. Recursive improvement.
The CR / CF claim
CR argues that unbounded progress is achievable in principle. CF keeps this as a working assumption — it's what makes the whole error-correction project worthwhile.
"Bounded vs. unbounded progress" is one of CF's enumerated CR-specific concepts. — criticalfallibilism.com