Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg
Spencer Greenberg
Clearer Thinking is a podcast about ideas that truly matter. If you enjoy learning about powerful, practical concepts and frameworks, wish you had more deep, intellectual conversations in your life, or are looking for non-BS self-improvement, then we think you'll love this podcast! Each week we invite a brilliant guest to bring four important ideas to discuss for an in-depth conversation. Topics include psychology, society, behavior change, philosophy, science, artificial intelligence, math, economics, self-help, mental health, and technology. We focus on ideas that can be applied right now to make your life better or to help you better understand yourself and the world, aiming to teach you the best mental tools to enhance your learning, self-improvement efforts, and decision-making. • We take on important, thorny questions like: • What's the best way to help a friend or loved one going through a difficult time? How can we make our worldviews more accurate? How can we hone the accuracy of our thinking? What are the advantages of using our "gut" to make decisions? And when should we expect careful, analytical reflection to be more effective? Why do societies sometimes collapse? And what can we do to reduce the chance that ours collapses? Why is the world today so much worse than it could be? And what can we do to make it better? What are the good and bad parts of tradition? And are there more meaningful and ethical ways of carrying out important rituals, such as honoring the dead? How can we move beyond zero-sum, adversarial negotiations and create more positive-sum interactions?
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2022 • 1h 32min
Forecasting the things that matter (with Peter Wildeford)
Peter Wildeford, Co-CEO of Rethink Priorities and a renowned forecaster, dives into the world of forecasting and prediction markets. He challenges traditional ideas about expertise, emphasizing reliability over credentials. The discussion touches on how non-experts often outperform respected sources in accuracy. Wildeford also highlights the importance of structured tracking for predictions, stressing the blend of human intuition and algorithms for better outcomes. Finally, he envisions a future where informed forecasting enhances decision-making across various fields.
11 snips
Oct 12, 2022 • 1h 23min
Is the universe a computer? (with Joscha Bach)
In this engaging conversation, computer scientist and philosopher Joscha Bach discusses the intricate nature of intelligence and the distinctions between human cognition and AI, exemplified by GPT-3. He explores how the narratives we tell ourselves can influence suffering and highlights the transformative power of love through a computational lens. The fascinating notion of the universe as a computational system is unpacked, along with deep insights into consciousness, AI advancements, and the philosophical dimensions of existence.
57 snips
Oct 5, 2022 • 1h 27min
Inventions, stories, and ideas that don't matter (with Pablos Holman)
Pablos Holman, a hacker and inventor known for his impactful TED Talks, dives into the fascinating world of food technology, discussing innovative 3D-printed meals and their potential to revolutionize personalized nutrition. He explores public perceptions of nuclear energy, emphasizing its role in a carbon-free future and the need for better regulation in tech innovation. Holman also unpacks the complexities of intellectual property rights and encourages the transformation of how we approach groundbreaking technologies, balancing safety with creativity in our rapidly evolving world.
7 snips
Sep 28, 2022 • 1h 5min
Humble-bragging, counter-signalling, and impression management (with Övül Sezer)
Join Övül Sezer, a behavioral scientist and stand-up comedian from Columbia University, as she unpacks the nuances of impression management. She discusses the effects of humble-bragging versus straightforward bragging, illustrating the importance of authenticity in self-promotion. Övül explores the intriguing concept of counter-signaling, revealing how status can be communicated through casual appearances. Dive into the dynamics of gratitude in communication and how acknowledging contributions strengthens teamwork and relationships.
Sep 21, 2022 • 1h 6min
Ambition and expected value at extremes (with Habiba Islam)
In this discussion, Habiba Islam, an advisor at 80,000 Hours and former barrister, explores the balance between ambition and altruism. She tackles how to set lofty career goals while calculating expected values, especially when probabilities become extreme. The conversation highlights the necessity of pragmatic backup plans and community support to navigate risks. Habiba also critiques traditional views in effective altruism, urging a deeper understanding of ethical responsibilities towards future generations, particularly in light of climate change.
Sep 14, 2022 • 1h 21min
Career science, open science, and inspired science (with Alexa Tullett)
Alexa Tullett, a social psychologist at the University of Alabama, dives into the intricacies of scientific integrity and belief change. She questions the reliability of traditional p-values and discusses 'importance laundering' in research. Tullett contrasts open science with inspired science, emphasizing the need for transparency. The conversation also broaches the challenges of meta-analyses and the nuances of ego depletion. Additionally, she explores innovative approaches to college admissions and the pressing role of accountability in the justice system.
Sep 7, 2022 • 1h 6min
Estimating the long-term impact of our actions today (with Will MacAskill)
Join Will MacAskill, a philosophy professor at the University of Oxford and co-founder of effective altruism initiatives, as he explores the ethical framework of long-termism. He discusses how today's actions may shape the future of humanity, weighing the importance of resource allocation and the risks of extinction. MacAskill addresses the perplexities of decision-making in altruism, highlighting the balance between short-term efforts and long-term impact. He delves into navigating uncertainty, advocating for a culture that embraces exploration while targeting meaningful global change.
Aug 31, 2022 • 1h 17min
The differences between analytic and continental philosophy (with Alexander Prescott-Couch)
Alexander Prescott-Couch, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and writer for journals like Noûs, dives into the intriguing divide between analytic and continental philosophy. He discusses the genetic fallacy and how historical context shapes belief assessment. They explore the contrasting methods of each philosophical approach, from clarity and logic in analytics to the poetic insights of continentals. The role of intuition in ethical debates is also scrutinized, shedding light on its complexities and biases within moral reasoning.
Aug 24, 2022 • 1h 18min
Voting method reform in the US (with Aaron Hamlin)
Aaron Hamlin, the executive director of The Center for Election Science, dives deep into the flaws of the U.S. electoral system. He discusses why many vote against their own interests and how current methods like ranked-choice voting can obscure true preferences. Exploring alternatives such as approval voting, he highlights the benefits it brings to representation, especially for third-party candidates. Hamlin also addresses the challenges of implementing voting reforms and the importance of grassroots efforts to facilitate change.
Aug 19, 2022 • 1h 38min
Critiquing Effective Altruism (with Michael Nielsen and Ajeya Cotra)
Ajeya Cotra, a Senior Research Analyst at Open Philanthropy focused on AI risks, discusses the strengths and critiques of Effective Altruism (EA). Alongside Michael Nielsen, an author known for his work on open science, they explore how the movement balances altruism and personal impact. They challenge the assumption that donors prioritize effectiveness, debate centralization vs. decentralization in resources, and unravel the complexities of moral dilemmas in charitable giving. Their candid conversation encourages rethinking how we allocate resources for maximum good.
