Here are eight tools of anti-epistemology that I think anyone can use to hide their norm-violating behavior from being noticed, and deceive people about their character.[1]

Heuristic Details

1. Maintain Plausible Innocence

Always provide and maintain a plausibly deniable account of your behavior that isn’t norm violating

Kim Kitsuragi: “You want to send someone a message that the police are working for you.”

Evrart Claire: “I repeat, I’m a very, *very* busy man, Mr. Kitsuragi, and therefore I must occasionally enlist… outside help.” He turns back to you. “So what will it be, Harry?”

 

How: Never explicitly offer or ask to do something that's norm violating. Always communicate it in the subtext, while your explicit words are consistent with a narrative of good conduct / innocence.

Why: Whenever a third party tries to verify what was communicated, you have a coherent and accurate account of the explicit text of your words that is not the same as what was actually communicated, making it harder to prosecute your crimes. (Spiritually: "They've got nothing on me.")

It can also confuse the people you're actually talking to about the extent to which you intended what actually happened, and as to what your motives [...]

The original text contained 1 footnote which was omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

November 21st, 2025

Source:

https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/MT2KomFAzLPkp5GAN/eight-heuristics-of-anti-epistemology-1

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.