The Dissenter

#1044 David Pinsof: The Psychology of Incentives and Opinions

Jan 10, 2025
David Pinsof, a research scientist with a PhD in Psychology from UCLA, dives into the captivating interplay between incentives, morality, and opinions. He discusses how behavior is driven by evolutionary incentives and how social dynamics shape our perceptions of virtue. The conversation also touches on the conflict between truth and status in science, exploring how biases can hinder objectivity. Finally, the role of likability and social acceptance in shaping opinions adds intriguing depth to the discussion.
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INSIGHT

Incentives Drive Behavior

  • Incentives drive all behavior, encompassing everything we want, not just money.
  • These wants stem from natural selection and shape our basic motivations.
INSIGHT

Free Will Reframed

  • Free will, if defined as acting without motivation, doesn't exist.
  • However, free will can be reframed as the ability to respond to incentives, aligning with our punitive systems.
INSIGHT

Cultural Variation and Status Games

  • Cultural variations in incentives largely represent different status games.
  • Overtly seeking status can be detrimental, leading to dynamic shifts in social hierarchies.
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