Theoretical vs. Practical Reason (Agnes Callard & Robin Hanson, with Laura Deming)
Nov 16, 2023
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Philosopher Agnes Callard and economist Robin Hanson discuss the distinction between practical and theoretical reasoning, the authority of academics, evaluating actions for the benefit of the world, prioritizing underworked problems, motives and constraints in pursuing selfless goals, the importance of understanding machine intentions, and the value of knowledge and making life choices.
Theoretical and practical reasoning can be seen as a continuum rather than a binary distinction.
Motivations and inspirations play a crucial role in driving one's actions and finding unique perspectives.
The pursuit of knowledge has both social value and personal enjoyment, but other aesthetic pleasures can be equally valid choices.
Deep dives
The distinction between theoretical and practical reasoning
The podcast episode discusses the distinction between theoretical and practical reasoning. The history of philosophy is explored, including the views of Socrates and Aristotle. The distinction between theoretical reason focused on universal truths and practical reason focused on achieving the good is highlighted. The speaker emphasizes that there might not be a binary distinction between the two, but rather a continuum of reasoning from concrete to abstract contexts.
The importance of motivations and inspirations
The podcast delves into the significance of motivations and inspirations in one's work. The speakers discuss the personal experiences and insights related to the feeling of meaning and its connection to seeking knowledge. The question of whether following this feeling is valid or if it is merely an aesthetic response is explored. The importance of motivations in driving one's actions and the role of inspiration in finding unique perspectives and solutions is highlighted.
The tension between academic authority and other forms of knowledge
The podcast raises the question of the distinction between scientific or academic claims and methods and other forms of knowledge. The speakers discuss how many academics prioritize the conclusions and methods of their discipline as authoritative while dismissing other forms of knowledge. They debate whether this distinction aligns with the theoretical versus practical reasoning distinction and the validity of different categories of knowledge.
The challenge of evaluating the impact of one's work
The podcast addresses the challenge of evaluating the impact of one's work and predictions about how it will help the world. The speakers discuss the difficulty of knowing which contributions will have significant consequences and the limitations of making such judgments. They reflect on their own experiences in determining the importance and potential impact of their research.
The Pursuit of Knowledge and Practical Value
The podcast discusses the pursuit of knowledge and its practical value. The speakers contemplate whether the pursuit of knowledge is the ideal pursuit in life and if there are any arguments against it. They acknowledge that theoretical knowledge has social value and brings joy and beauty. However, they also consider that other aesthetic pleasures, such as being an artist, could be equally valid choices. They emphasize the importance of personal preference and the subjective experience when choosing a path in life, acknowledging that early choices are often made in the face of limited knowledge and that it is acceptable to pick a path and stick with it.
The Role of Selfishness and Altruism
The podcast explores the role of selfishness and altruism in different domains of human activity. They discuss how pursuing theoretical knowledge often carries a sense of selfishness, as the motivator is personal joy and the pleasure of knowing. In contrast, practical pursuits are often seen as altruistic, focusing on making the world better for others. They question why fields like art and academia receive societal support despite being selfishly motivated, while fields like business or parenting face judgment if motivated primarily by self-interest. The speakers also reflect on the norms and aspirations attached to different domains of activity, and the tension between practical benefits and the intrinsic value of theoretical pursuits.
Imagine two smart curious friendly and basically truth-seeking people, but from very different intellectual traditions. Traditions with different tools, priorities, and ground rules. What would they discuss? Would they talk past each other? Make any progress? Would anyone want to hear them? Economist Robin Hanson and philosopher Agnes Callard decided to find out.
