Conversations with Tyler
Paul Bloom on the Psychology of Children, and the Morality of Empathy and Disgust
Aug 7, 2024
Paul Bloom, a prominent psychology professor specializing in moral psychology and child development, dives into fascinating topics about how children develop morality. He discusses children's innate ability to discern right from wrong and how they interpret supernatural beliefs. Bloom also explores the complexities of empathy versus disgust in moral decision-making and the potential for AI therapists. The conversation touches on societal norms around values in human and animal life, while also critiquing traditional perceptions of intelligence and the impact of formal education.
59:13
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Quick takeaways
- Psychologists like Paul Bloom acknowledge that their expertise does not uniquely equip them to interpret everyday human interactions compared to non-psychologists.
- Research reveals that children possess innate moral awareness, enabling them to discern helpfulness and harmfulness from an early age, challenging the blank slate theory.
Deep dives
Understanding Human Nature in Psychology
Psychologists, including Paul Bloom, emphasize that their expertise does not necessarily grant them greater intuitive understanding of human behavior than non-psychologists. Unlike fields such as economics, psychology often does not translate into everyday insights into personal interactions. Bloom notes that while psychologists might understand specific domains like memory or mental disorders better, they do not possess a mystical ability to decipher people's thoughts and intentions in social situations. This limitation reflects a broader challenge within psychology, which is the application of academic knowledge to everyday interpersonal dynamics.
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