Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

143 | Julia Galef on Openness, Bias, and Rationality

Apr 19, 2021

01:32:16

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Julia Galef explores the benefits of 'scout mindset' over the 'soldier mindset.' She discusses the challenges of promoting rationality and the importance of Bayesian reasoning. The podcast also covers the battle between soldier and scout mindsets, navigating unconventional ideas, and the impact of tribal identities on rationality.

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Quick takeaways

Embracing a scout mindset involves seeking feedback, understanding opposing views, and exploring challenging ideas.

Consider finite cognitive and time resources when evaluating which ideas to engage with.

Assess the credibility and attitude of individuals promoting unconventional ideas for more persuasive arguments.

Strive for intellectual honesty by overcoming biases, engaging with feedback, and exploring diverse perspectives.

Deep dives

The Importance of Having a Scout Mindset

Having a scout mindset involves actively seeking critical feedback about your beliefs, being open to understanding and articulating the views of those who disagree with you, and exploring ideas that challenge your existing beliefs.

Finding Alternative Strategies for Success

00:48

Divergence in Climate Change Beliefs based on Scientific Intelligence

01:36

The Consequences of a Famous Book

01:16

Choosing Actions for Impact

01:23

Introduction

5min

Navigating Rationality and Truth Advocacy

17min

Exploring Bayesian Reasoning and Prior Beliefs

3min

The Battle Between Soldier and Scout Mindsets

21min

Exploring the Benefits of Learning with the Great Courses Plus

3min

Navigating Unconventional Ideas and Rational Discourse

15min

Exploring Plateaus and Mind Changes

4min

Navigating Tribal Identities and Rationality

26min

Mom, apple pie, and rationality — all things that are unquestionably good, right? But rationality, as much as we might value it, is easier to aspire to than to achieve. And there are more than a few hot takes on the market suggesting that we shouldn’t even want to be rational — that it’s inefficient or maladaptive. Julia Galef is here to both stand up for the value of being rational, and to explain how we can better achieve it. She distinguishes between the “soldier mindset,” where we believe what we’re told about the world and march toward a goal, and the “scout mindset,” where we’re open-minded about what’s out there and always asking questions. She makes a compelling case that all things considered, it’s better to be a scout.

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Julia Galef received a BA in statistics from Columbia University. She is currently a writer and host of the Rationally Speaking podcast. She was a co-founder and president of the Center for Applied Rationality. Her new book is The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t.

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