New Books in Psychology Justin Gregg, "If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity" (Little, Brown, 2022)
Jan 26, 2023
Justin Gregg, a senior research associate with the Dolphin Communication Project, explores the paradox of human intelligence in his book, highlighting how our cognitive abilities might be more problematic than beneficial. He questions traditional views on intelligence, illustrating the efficiency of animals that thrive without humanity's existential burdens. Gregg contrasts human moral frameworks with animal behavior, emphasizing the unique dark sides of our moral constructs. He provocatively considers whether a life without human angst, as a narwhal, might lead to greater happiness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rethink Human Intelligence
- Human intelligence may be a liability as much as a gift because many animal species thrive without it.
- Justin Gregg suggests we should question whether thinking like a human is inherently good or beneficial.
The Double-Edged 'Why'
- Humans uniquely seek causal explanations and ask "why," which enabled science and engineering.
- Gregg warns that causal inference also enables weapons and large-scale harm alongside benefits.
Lying Versus Animal Deception
- Deception exists widely in animals, but human lying targets belief via theory of mind.
- Gregg defines lying as intentionally transmitting false information to make others believe something untrue.
