Israeli-American psychologist Daniel Kahneman discusses his groundbreaking work on human decision-making, prospect theory, and finding objective meaning in life. The podcast delves into hedonism, personal beliefs, ethics, and the importance of collaboration in shaping our judgments. This is Kahneman's final public interview before his passing.
Kahneman revolutionized decision-making with cognitive biases and heuristics.
Subjectivity of beliefs and rationality intertwined in Kahneman's work.
Human happiness intertwined with social experiences over material success.
Deep dives
Peter Singer's Retirement Celebration at Princeton
Peter Singer's retirement conference at Princeton University included six panels and a Q&A session, showcasing 30 speakers with engaging discussions. Notable speakers like Ingrid Newkirk and Kate Grant were highlighted for their impactful work on animal rights and healthcare initiatives. The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogues and will feature upcoming episodes on the Lives Well Lived podcast.
Interview with Daniel Kahneman in Paris
An interview with Daniel Kahneman before his passing revealed his reflections on life and work. Kahneman, a Nobel Prize winner in Economics known for his psychological research, discussed prospect theory and ethical decision-making. He emphasized the joy of collaboration with Amos Tversky and shared insights on the subjective nature of beliefs and rationality.
Exploring Experience vs. Remembered Utility
Research on experienced vs. remembered utility highlighted discrepancies in human perception. Studies showed people often prioritize social moments for happiness over material success. The distinction between momentary experiences and evaluative memories underscored the complexity of well-being and personal fulfillment.
Perspectives on Meaning, Objectivity, and Optimism
Peter Singer's views on meaning, objectivity, and optimism reflected a nuanced approach to life evaluation. While acknowledging collaboration as a key aspect of his work satisfaction, Singer's skepticism towards absolute objectivity and preference for realistic pessimism showcased a balanced outlook on hope and personal contentment.
Peter Singer's Personal Tastes and Recommendations
Singer expressed preferences for Schubert's music, the film series 'Before Sunrise,' and recent reads like 'A Brief History of Intelligence.' Despite enjoying collaborative work and acknowledging the importance of relationships, Singer's personal tastes in music and cultural recommendations revealed a diverse and enriching engagement with the arts.
Closing Thoughts on Collaboration and Meaningful Conversations
Peter Singer's parting message emphasized the value of collaboration and meaningful discussions. Reflecting on his retirement celebration and interviews with notable figures like Daniel Kahneman, Singer highlighted the significance of engaging dialogues and shared insights across diverse topics in bioethics, psychology, and human values.
Join Kasia & Peter as they explore the profound impact of Daniel Kahneman, the Israeli-American psychologist, and author who revolutionised our understanding of human decision-making. Awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, Kahneman’s groundbreaking work, alongside Amos Tversky, unveiled the cognitive biases and heuristics that shape our judgments. Kasia & Peter delve into his influential theories, including prospect theory, ask Daniel how he finds objective meaning, and discuss the importance of collaboration.
This is Kahneman's last public interview before his death on March 27, 2024.
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