Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Self-Improvement and Research Ethics (with Rob Wiblin)

Jan 7, 2021

Rob Wiblin, Head of Research at 80,000 Hours and host of its podcast, dives into self-improvement strategies and the nuances of research ethics. He discusses the value of long-form content for deep discussions and the importance of self-experimentation alongside accountability for personal growth. Wiblin also tackles the ethical dilemmas in COVID-19 vaccine testing, challenges in academic mentorship, and how prediction markets can reveal societal biases. His insights highlight a balanced approach to ethics and the complexities of achieving meaningful progress.

02:32:34

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Episode guests

Rob Wiblin

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Practical Solutions for Personal Comfort and Improvement

2min

Navigating Self-Improvement and Forgetfulness

20min

The Power of Self-Experimentation and Accountability

5min

Navigating Goals and Project Completion

10min

Exploring the Oddities of Academic Roles

2min

The Power of Long-Form Conversations

15min

The Challenge of Grasping Intrinsic Values and Knowledge

2min

Exploring Truth, Deception, and Moral Values

19min

10.

Exploring Intrinsic and Terminal Value in Everyday Life

3min

11.

Ethics of COVID-19 Challenge Trials

12min

12.

Ethics in Research: A Balancing Act

22min

13.

Navigating FDA Approval and Patient Autonomy

11min

14.

Exploring the Complexity of Societal Decision-Making

2min

15.

Human Civilization and the Efficacy of Prediction Markets

5min

16.

Navigating Prediction Markets and Political Biases

20min

What are the best strategies for improving ourselves? How are line managers useful? Why does Rob prefer long-form content for the 80,000 Hours podcast? What are the sorts of things humans value and why? In what ways do research ethics considerations fail to achieve their stated objectives? Why are prediction markets useful?

Rob Wiblin is the Head of Research at 80,000 Hours where he investigates how people can do more good in the course of their career and produces a long-form interview show called the 80,000 Hours Podcast. He studied genetics and economics in Australia before moving to the UK to help develop the emerging field of effective altruism. You can learn more about Rob at robwiblin.com, learn more about his research work at 80000hours.org, and follow him on social media at @robertwiblin.

Staff

Spencer Greenberg — Host / Director
Josh Castle — Producer
Uri Bram — Factotum

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