Lives Well Lived

ROBERT WRIGHT: navigating moral realism

Jul 4, 2024

Author and journalist Robert Wright joins Peter & Kasia to discuss evolutionary explanations for altruism, societal norms influenced by sexual psychology, ethical challenges of AI, and the concept of moral realism. They explore the role of technology in history and non-zero-sum interactions. Delving into the idea of being judged by a higher power, they touch on living a fulfilling life and meditation retreats.

01:03:05

Creator website

Episode guests

Robert Wright

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Evolutionary psychology shapes societal norms, including sexual double standards and infidelity perceptions.

Moral realism explores the evolutionary basis of moral truth and norms, impacting human behavior.

Non-zero-sum interactions drive societal complexity, highlighting the need for global governance in the face of AI risks.

Deep dives

Robert Wright's Impressive Writing Career and Analysis of His Works

Robert Wright, the American writer, known for works like The Moral Animal and Why Buddhism is True, discusses his notable literary contributions, including exploring ultraism's emergence, the origin of ethics and moral truth, sexual double standards based on Darwinian explanations, AI risks, non-zero-sum interactions, directional purposes in the universe, the parallels between living in a simulation, fundamental truths in Buddhism post a meditation retreat, self-delusion concept, Buddhist psychology alignment with current science, and insights on living well.

Evolution of Moral Realism and Logic

01:09

Kindness Begets Kindness

00:27

Monogamy: Embrace Challenges with Awareness

01:08

From Hunter-Gatherers to Global Society: The Role of Technology

00:41

Intro

2min

Exploring Buddhist Philosophy and Personal Transformation

2min

Exploring Potential Democrat Candidates and Concerns for Biden's Legacy

2min

Exploring Altruism and Sympathy from Strangers

5min

Exploring Moral Reputation and Evolutionary Tendencies

18min

Exploring the Notions of Zero-Sum and Non-Zero-Sum Interactions in Human History

4min

Exploring AI, Purpose, and Meditation

30min

Peter & Kasia are joined by author and journalist Robert Wright. Robert Wright is the New York Times bestselling author of The Evolution of God (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), Nonzero, The Moral Animal, Three Scientists and their Gods, and Why Buddhism Is True.

The discussion delves into the evolutionary explanations for altruism and sympathy, and how human sexual psychology impacts societal norms. The role of technology and non-zero-sum interactions in human history is explored, alongside the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Robert discusses moral realism, and the concept of being judged by a higher power.

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Lives Well Lived

ROBERT WRIGHT: navigating moral realism

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Robert Wright's Impressive Writing Career and Analysis of His Works

Insights on Sexual Double Standards, Evolutionary Psychology, and Moral Realism

Exploring Non-Zero-Sum Interactions and Their Evolutionary Significance

Understanding Buddhism, Meditation, and Alignment with Contemporary Science

The Quest for Living Well and the Pursuit of Moral Truth

Robert Wright's Reflections on Purpose, Moral Judgments, and Moral Realism

Evolution of Moral Realism and Logic

Kindness Begets Kindness

Monogamy: Embrace Challenges with Awareness

From Hunter-Gatherers to Global Society: The Role of Technology

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
& Export

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Lives Well Lived

ROBERT WRIGHT: navigating moral realism

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Robert Wright's Impressive Writing Career and Analysis of His Works

Insights on Sexual Double Standards, Evolutionary Psychology, and Moral Realism

Exploring Non-Zero-Sum Interactions and Their Evolutionary Significance

Understanding Buddhism, Meditation, and Alignment with Contemporary Science

The Quest for Living Well and the Pursuit of Moral Truth

Robert Wright's Reflections on Purpose, Moral Judgments, and Moral Realism

Evolution of Moral Realism and Logic

Kindness Begets Kindness

Monogamy: Embrace Challenges with Awareness

From Hunter-Gatherers to Global Society: The Role of Technology

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
& Export

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights