Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 255 | Michael Muthukrishna on Developing a Theory of Everyone
64 snips
Oct 30, 2023 In a thought-provoking discussion, Michael Muthukrishna, an Associate Professor at LSE and author of 'A Theory of Everyone,' explores a unifying theory that bridges psychology, culture, and economics. He delves into the complexities of human behavior, emphasizing the significance of social learning and cultural transmission. Muthukrishna also highlights the role of energy in societal development and presents innovative ideas for education and governance, advocating for decentralized approaches. Lastly, he addresses the erosion of trust in institutions and offers solutions for a more equitable future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Cultural Software
- Humans possess a unique "cultural software" inherited and evolved over time.
- This allows us to think, perceive, and understand the world differently than other species.
Flat Earth Belief
- Most people believe Earth is a sphere revolving around the Sun, despite daily observations suggesting otherwise.
- This reliance on accepted knowledge demonstrates human deference to collective beliefs.
Box Experiment
- Children and chimps were tasked with retrieving a treat from a box.
- Unlike chimps, children copied unnecessary steps even when the box was transparent, illustrating humans' reliance on learned procedures.
