A Bit of Optimism A Theory of Everyone with behavioral researcher Dr. Michael Muthukrishna
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Jan 23, 2024 In a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Muthukrishna, an associate professor of economic psychology at the London School of Economics and author of "A Theory of Everyone," fascinating topics unfold. He dives into the origins of religion and cultural evolution, examining how our brains and education shape reasoning. Muthukrishna discusses the evolution of trust and cooperation, emphasizing the role of kinship. He also highlights cultural evolution's impact on modern challenges like individualism and climate change. A captivating exploration of humanity's behaviors and future!
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Big Brains
- Humans have large brains, but brain tissue is expensive.
- Big brains need to provide an evolutionary advantage to justify their high energy cost.
Cultural Reasoning Differences
- Alexander Luria's research in Uzbekistan revealed cultural differences in reasoning.
- People without formal education struggled with abstract hypothetical questions.
Hardware and Software
- Humans rely on both hardware (brains) and software (culture).
- Our reliance on culturally transmitted knowledge, like cooking, differentiates us from animals.
