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.
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.
Insights on Sexual Double Standards, Evolutionary Psychology, and Moral Realism
Robert Wright delves into the sexual double standard concept, influenced by evolutionary psychology, explaining gender-specific jealousy, the societal implications, and the relevance of infidelity perceptions. The discussion expands into considering moral realism, the potential moral truth based on evolutionary inclinations, and the impacts of moral norms on evolutionary objectives.
Exploring Non-Zero-Sum Interactions and Their Evolutionary Significance
Robert Wright unravels the dynamics of zero-sum versus non-zero-sum interactions, detailing their evolutionary roles in societal complexity advancements. The dialogue delves into the global governance necessity driven by non-zero-sum relations, the AI implications, concerns about superintelligence surpassing human intelligence, and the potential impacts on human progression and governance.
Understanding Buddhism, Meditation, and Alignment with Contemporary Science
Robert Wright delves into the essence of Buddhism, emphasizing the transformational impact of meditation on self-realization and the dissolution of ego. The conversation intertwines Buddhist philosophies with evolutionary psychology, mindfulness practices, and the alignment of Buddhist tenets with contemporary psychological and neuroscientific perspectives.
The Quest for Living Well and the Pursuit of Moral Truth
Robert Wright delves into the quest for a life well-lived, highlighting the convergence of personal happiness and moral enlightenment within Buddhist philosophies and meditation practices. The emphasis is on integrating happiness with moral growth and achieving a harmonious balance guided by a personal sense of moral realism and a judgmental inner compass.
Robert Wright's Reflections on Purpose, Moral Judgments, and Moral Realism
Robert Wright shares personal reflections on purpose, moral truths, and judgmental compasses intertwined with his upbringing's religious influences. The conversation navigates the blurred lines between moral realism, personal moral judgments, divine scrutiny, and the intrinsic drive towards goodness, highlighting the complex interplay of personal values, moral constructs, and ethical behavior.
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.
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