Exploring Behavioral Theories and AI: The Echoes of Skinner

Summary

The conversation explores the topics of wholeness and value and the relationship between them. Ken, Marc, and Zak discuss the concept of anthro-ontology, which is the study of the true essence and nature of human beings. They also delve into the idea of the mystery within us and how it relates to wholeness. The conversation touches on the importance of asking the fundamental questions of where am I, who am I, and what ought I do. They also discuss the inclusion of the why question and how it can be answered through deep practice and a seeking of wholeness. The hosts explore different theories of value and the distinction between intrinsic and instrumental value. They also touch on the relationship between separate self and unique self, and the concept of true self. The conversation explores the relationship between ego and Unique Self, pointing out the confusion and hijacking that can occur. It delves into the distinction between instrumental value and absolute value, and how they are not completely unrelated. The discussion also highlights the misvaluation of nature and the need to align use value with exchange value. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reintroducing a linguistic understanding of value and the field of value in countering simplistic economic reductionism. It concludes by addressing the crisis of meaning and the need to clarify value as a cure.

Takeaways

• Wholeness and value are two faces of the same concept, and exploring their relationship is important.
• Asking the fundamental questions of where am I, who am I, and what ought I do can provide direction and orientation in life.
• The why question can be included in the exploration of wholeness and value, but it should be answered through deep practice and a seeking of wholeness.
• There are different theories of value, including intrinsic value and instrumental value.
• The concepts of separate self and unique self relate to the idea of true self, which is the ultimate individuation of the self. The ego and Unique Self have a complex relationship, with the ego often confusing and hijacking the value of Unique Self.
• There is a distinction between instrumental value and absolute value, but they are not completely unrelated.
• There is a misvaluation of nature, with exchange value overshadowing the true ecological value.
• Reintroducing a linguistic understanding of value and the field of value is crucial in countering economic reductionism.
• The crisis of meaning can be addressed by clarifying value and understanding the interconnectedness of value and meaning. Value is not static but evolving, and meaning is rooted in the field of value.
• Conversations are the exchange of meaning embedded in value and are essential to the human condition.
• Creativity should be recontextualized within the field of value.
• Conversations play a crucial role in addressing the meaning crisis and countering the devaluation of conversations by AI.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context

03:12 Exploring Anthroontology and the Mystery Within Us

07:14 The Importance of the Why Question

12:45 The Destructive and Creative Aspects of the Why

24:08 Different Theories of Value

29:21 The Concepts of Separate Self and Unique Self

32:24 The Confusion and Hijacking of Ego and Unique Self

34:34 The Distinction Between Instrumental Value and Absolute Value

35:19 The Misvaluation of Nature and the Need for Alignment

36:48 Reintroducing a Linguistic Understanding of Value

50:44 Addressing the Crisis of Meaning through Clarifying Value

01:06:56 The Evolving Nature of Value

01:09:25 The Essential Role of Conversations

01:12:25 Recontextualizing Creativity within Value

01:13:31 Addressing the Meaning Crisis and the Threat of AI