Mere Mortals Conversations The Moloch Problem | Destructive Forces From Competition
Aug 6, 2025
59:35
Call it what you want (Malthusian trap, prisoner dilemma, race to the bottom, coordination failure, tragedy of the commons), the problems are real!
In Episode #488 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: the concept of the Moloch problem (a philosophical idea that explores the unintended consequences of competitive behaviour), over-scheduling children's activities to the race for social media status, the silly idea of a dollar auction, how rational decisions can lead to suboptimal outcomes, uneffective philosophy & whether any of this is actually a problem.
Very sad puppy this week, send in a boost to show some support!
Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:49) Defining the Moloch Trap
(00:06:18) Examples of Moloch Problems
(00:12:36) Origins and Philosophy of Moloch
(00:22:00) AI & the Race to the Bottom
(00:27:38) Boostagram Lounge
(00:29:27) Critique of Moloch and Theoretical Philosophy
(00:40:32) Effective Philosophy and Real-World Application
(00:50:56) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(00:58:40) V4V
In Episode #488 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: the concept of the Moloch problem (a philosophical idea that explores the unintended consequences of competitive behaviour), over-scheduling children's activities to the race for social media status, the silly idea of a dollar auction, how rational decisions can lead to suboptimal outcomes, uneffective philosophy & whether any of this is actually a problem.
Very sad puppy this week, send in a boost to show some support!
Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:49) Defining the Moloch Trap
(00:06:18) Examples of Moloch Problems
(00:12:36) Origins and Philosophy of Moloch
(00:22:00) AI & the Race to the Bottom
(00:27:38) Boostagram Lounge
(00:29:27) Critique of Moloch and Theoretical Philosophy
(00:40:32) Effective Philosophy and Real-World Application
(00:50:56) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(00:58:40) V4V
Connect with Mere Mortals:
Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspods
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcasts
Value 4 Value Support:
Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/support
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast