Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Are you a wamb or a nerd? (with Tom Chivers)
Jan 12, 2022
Tom Chivers, a freelance science writer and science editor at UnHerd.com, explores the intriguing distinctions between 'wambs' and 'nerds'. He discusses how emotional expression influences social dynamics and ethical reasoning, especially regarding challenging topics like superintelligence. Chivers also sheds light on navigating miscommunications between rationalists and journalists, the role of beliefs in discussions, and innovative approaches for engaging in sensitive conversations. His insightful take on these communities reveals the complexities of human interaction and understanding.
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Episode notes
Nerd-Wham Spectrum
- There's a spectrum between "nerds" and "whams," not a simple dichotomy.
- This spectrum describes a preference for correctness vs. social harmony and things/ideas vs. people.
Disability Assessment Story
- Tom Chivers uses the example of a news story about disability assessments and deaths to illustrate the nerd-wham dynamic.
- He highlights how focusing on numerical correctness can clash with emotional responses.
Decoupling Concepts
- Some people are better at decoupling concepts from their context, analyzing them in isolation.
- Others find it hard to separate ideas from their history/social implications.
