>>Anonymity is not some sort of natural right. For most of our existence as a species
Good thing I scoped my comment to "modern society" not "our existence as a species" what follows is just a clever straw-man you build to refute an argument I did not make
>>But it is also quite difficult, particularly in the face of determined investigation, and is therefore rather unrealistic.
No argument there, anonymity is difficult, the question at hand is should society have respect for anonymity, and should respectable institution in that society also have respect for a person desire for anonymity
I say yes, you clearly either say no, or do not care if they do.
>>I don't find your example of celebrity pseudonyms particularly convincing.
In this context is very applicable. The NYT routinely uses these celebrities stage names in place of their real identities when writing about them. Why are they afforded this level of anonymity but Scott is not? Why is it OK to use those stage names but it is not OK to refer to Scott Alexander by his chosen "stage name"
> Why are they afforded this level of anonymity but Scott is not?
Elton John can't deprive me of my liberty, hold me against my will, force me to take medication against my will (and sometimes without my knowledge), give me electroconvulsive therapy against my will, etc etc.
Good thing I scoped my comment to "modern society" not "our existence as a species" what follows is just a clever straw-man you build to refute an argument I did not make
>>But it is also quite difficult, particularly in the face of determined investigation, and is therefore rather unrealistic.
No argument there, anonymity is difficult, the question at hand is should society have respect for anonymity, and should respectable institution in that society also have respect for a person desire for anonymity
I say yes, you clearly either say no, or do not care if they do.
>>I don't find your example of celebrity pseudonyms particularly convincing.
In this context is very applicable. The NYT routinely uses these celebrities stage names in place of their real identities when writing about them. Why are they afforded this level of anonymity but Scott is not? Why is it OK to use those stage names but it is not OK to refer to Scott Alexander by his chosen "stage name"