Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Stefan Schubert, a researcher in philosophy and psychology at the University of Oxford, dives into effective altruism and charitable giving. He explores why people often donate to less effective charities, despite evidence of better options. The conversation sheds light on the psychological biases influencing our giving decisions, especially during crises. Schubert also discusses how altruistic communities can collaborate to enhance impact and the importance of constructive feedback in fostering innovative ideas for doing the most good.

In this conversation, Daniel Greene, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford, captivates listeners with insights on the illusion of explanatory depth—how we often overestimate our understanding. He discusses meaningful dialogue versus traditional debate for changing minds and introduces the concept of epistemic debt. Greene explores the growth mindset, its implications in education, and critiques its portrayal. He also emphasizes the role of personality traits in community dynamics and the potential of social science for positive change, balanced with ethical considerations.

Robert Miles, a science communicator focused on AI safety and alignment, shares insights on the pressing need for AI safety as we advance towards artificial general intelligence (AGI). He discusses the complexity of defining utility functions and the potential existential risks involved. The conversation explores instrumental convergence, the unilateralist's curse, and the challenges of creating AI that aligns with human values. Miles emphasizes the importance of community support in science communication and the necessity for responsible management of AI technology.

Join NYC-based dating and relationship coach Steve Dean as he dives into the complexities of modern relationships. The conversation touches on the evolution of social interactions post-pandemic, emphasizing the necessity of authenticity in online dating. Dean discusses the differences in dating app experiences for men and women, the challenges of labels in relationships, and reveals insights about catcalling. He also shares strategies for fostering genuine connections, encouraging self-discovery and positive interpersonal dynamics.

Nick Beckstead, a Program Officer at the Open Philanthropy Project with a Ph.D. in Philosophy, dives deep into utilitarianism's nuances. He explores its various interpretations and contrasts act with rule consequentialism. The discussion also highlights the ethical dilemmas of quantifying well-being and the impact of decisions on future generations. Beckstead emphasizes the power of intuitive thinking over strict calculations in moral choices, and critiques the limitations of total utilitarianism, especially regarding infinite populations.

Alice Mottola, a perpetual student pursuing dual Master's degrees in theology and social work, dives deep into the fascinating world of cults. She explores the nuanced definitions of cults and the role of charismatic leaders, challenging conventional perceptions. Mottola discusses how cults fulfill social needs that mainstream structures often overlook and highlights the powerful dynamics of collective behavior. She reflects on the darker aspects of cult leadership and the healing potential of rituals, revealing both the allure and dangers of these intriguing groups.

Will Eden, an entrepreneur-in-residence at Ulysses Diversified and former Thiel Capital expert, explores the intricate relationship between history, aging, and societal decline. He discusses how understanding historical patterns can help us avoid repeating mistakes, particularly regarding empires like the U.S. and its contemporary challenges. Eden also delves into the science of longevity, looking at biological aging and potential remedies, while emphasizing the significance of nutrition in health and lifespan.

Jeremy Nixon, founder of Consilience and former machine learning researcher at Google Brain, dives into the intriguing world of knowledge management. He discusses the creation of personal knowledge indexes and the benefits of structured reflection for decision-making. The power of abstraction, how constraints can fuel creativity, and the fascinating concept of deugenesis get explored. Nixon illustrates how immersion in experiences, like gaming, influences cognitive patterns and how elite athletes harness visualization techniques for peak performance.

Sam Bankman-Fried, co-founder and CEO of FTX and an MIT-trained physicist, dives into the world of cryptocurrency. He discusses the current state of crypto, weighing its pros and cons and the transformative potential of blockchain technology. Sam explains the differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, explores the concept of smart contracts, and reflects on NFTs and their speculative nature. The conversation reveals how blockchain could revolutionize transactions and transform social media, while also addressing the challenges and risks that come with this innovative space.

Read the full transcript here. How does a behavioral scientist apply her knowledge to her own life? What fraction of our behaviors are deliberative, and what fraction are automatic? In what ways are we insufficiently scientific in our attempts to diagnose behavior problems? To what extent is introspection important for behavior change? Can behavior change take place without relatively accurate quantification and measurement? (For example, we know exact values for our bank account balance or our weight on the scale, but we don't know exact values for our level of happiness or how much progress we've made in meditation. To encourage behavior change in those more nebulous domains, is it useful to assign numbers to everything?) Can (and should) "sacred" things be quantified? What's the difference between customs and norms? Why do we often fail to generalize our own skills from one domain to other domains? How can we use stories to encourage behavior change? What are some new and different ways of connecting with others, especially during a pandemic? How can everyday items or events be tweaked to encourage behavior change? Ting Jiang is a global expert and thought leader in behavioral change and innovation. She received her Ph.D. in Experimental Economics but publishes findings across a broad range of disciplines. For the past 5 years, until January 1st, 2021, she served as a principal at Dan Ariely's behavioral science lab at Duke University, during which she led projects globally helping diverse organizations, companies, and tech startups to improve the behavioral uptake and retention of programs and products. The work she is most proud of is her own attempt to develop various science-based games for behavioral change, including a board game called "Healthy Money" for forming better spending and saving habits. Most recently, she's been calling for a collective reflection on whether the world is currently in the dark ages of human flourishing despite our advancement in tech and natural sciences. Find out more about her here. Staff Spencer Greenberg — Host / Director Josh Castle — Producer Ryan Kessler — Audio Engineer Uri Bram — Factotum Janaisa Baril — Transcriptionist Music Broke for Free Josh Woodward Lee Rosevere Quiet Music for Tiny Robots wowamusic zapsplat.com Affiliates Clearer Thinking GuidedTrack Mind Ease Positly UpLift