Glossary · Optimization and failure dynamics
Self-confirming loop
Generator and evaluator share correlated blind spots, so selection or training amplifies common errors. It needs no adversary, only correlated bias.
Defined in
Handbook · Validity under pressureGoodhart pressure and self-confirming loopsReward hacking needs an exploit; self-confirmation needs only a shared blind spot. Tell them apart and measure the coupling behind both.Where it comes up
- LLM judges in practiceHandbook · Instrument
- Evaluators inside training loopsHandbook · Regime
- Channels, independence, and anchor burnHandbook · Lifecycle
- Self-improvement and evaluator co-evolutionHandbook · Agents and self-improvement
- Anti-patterns and failure vocabularyHandbook · Practice
- E: Reasoning-model trainingHandbook · Case studies