

#305 — Moral Knowledge
31 snips Dec 8, 2022
In this intriguing conversation, Erik Hoel, a neuroscientist and former Tufts professor, discusses the intricacies of moral truth and its relevance to effective altruism. He explores the challenges of moral philosophy in a complex world and critiques the limitations of consequentialism. The ethical implications of AI are dissected, questioning whether machine consciousness could reshape our understanding of morality. Hoel also highlights the perils of moral fanaticism and the importance of balancing emotions and rationality in ethical decision-making.
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Bookstore Beginnings
- Erik Hoel sold Sam Harris's books in his mother's bookstore.
- The bookstore, Jabberwocky Books, is in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Path to Neuroscience
- Erik Hoel's interest in consciousness led him to a PhD in neuroscience.
- He worked on integrated information theory with Giulio Tononi.
Substack Transition
- Erik Hoel transitioned from a professorship at Tufts to writing full-time.
- He views Substack as a new literary genre.