In this engaging discussion, Josh Greene, a Harvard psychologist and philosopher, shares his transformation from theorist to 'moral engineer.' He introduces innovative projects like the Giving Multiplier, which enhances charitable giving through matching funds, and a trivia game designed to bridge political divides. Greene delves into the complexities of moral decision-making and the impact of collaboration in reducing polarization. His insights challenge us to reflect on our beliefs and foster cooperation in an increasingly divided world.
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insights INSIGHT
Political Conflict as Core Problem
Political and intergroup conflict is the root cause of many global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
If groups see themselves as a unified "us," they can solve major societal problems together.
insights INSIGHT
Dual Process in Morality
Early research revealed moral judgments arise from fast emotional reactions and slower reasoning.
Initial hope was that understanding this could help solve moral paradoxes and improve philosophy.
insights INSIGHT
Emotions Shape Moral Intuitions
Emotional intuitions sometimes conflict with utilitarian reasoning, e.g., in trolley problems.
Understanding brain responses helps explain why people judge some sacrifices as morally wrong despite logical arguments.
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Joshua Greene's 'Moral Tribes' delves into the complexities of human morality, arguing that our brains evolved for cooperation within groups, but struggle with intergroup relations. The book introduces the concept of 'deep pragmatism' as a metamorality to foster cooperation between groups with conflicting moral intuitions. Greene uses the analogy of 'thinking fast and slow' to differentiate between intuitive moral judgments and detached moral reasoning. He suggests that utilitarianism, or 'deep pragmatism,' can serve as a common currency for making trade-offs among competing values and interests. By understanding our evolved moral psychology, Greene proposes ways to bridge divides and promote cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
This is water
Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life
David Foster Wallace
This book is a transcript of the only public speech David Foster Wallace gave on his views on life, delivered as a commencement address at Kenyon College in 2005. The speech delves into the difficulties of empathy, the unimportance of being well-adjusted, and the apparent loneliness of adult life. Wallace argues that true freedom comes from the ability to be fully conscious and sympathetic, and he emphasizes the importance of learning how to think and exercise control over one's thoughts. The speech is known for its blend of casual humor, exacting intellect, and practical philosophy, offering advice that renews readers with every reading. After his death, the speech became a treasured piece of writing, reprinted in various publications and widely discussed online[1][2][4].
Josh Greene is a Harvard psychologist, neuroscientist, and philosopher whose research has reshaped how we understand moral decision-making. But after publishing his book Moral Tribes, Josh changed his mind - realizing that explaining why people clash wasn’t enough. Since then, he’s focused on building tools to reduce division and promote cooperation.
We explore how Josh made that shift, what it means to be a “moral engineer,” and how projects like Giving Multiplier and a bipartisan trivia game are helping people bridge divides in an increasingly polarised world.
Play Tango — the trivia game tackling polarisation
About the hosts: Thom and Aidan left boring, stable careers in law and tech to found FarmKind, a donation platform that helps people be a part of the solution to factory farming — regardless of their diet. While the podcast isn’t about animal welfare, it’s inspired by their daily experience grappling with a fundamental question: Why do people so rarely change their minds, even when confronted with compelling evidence? This curiosity drives their exploration of intellectual humility and the complex factors that enable (or prevent) meaningful belief change.
Changed My Mind 