Non-Zero-Sum James
Non-Zero-Sum James
A podcast where I read my blog to you, and chit-chat a little.
I'm Non-Zero-Sum James, your companion on this exploration of win-win games and how they are essential for a better future. I've been writing here at nonzerosum.games for a couple of years now, and decided it was finally time to reproduce the content in the form in which I usually consume media, audio. So, playing catch-up, every couple of days I'll be reading from the blog, exploring a new aspect of game theory, moral philosophy, ethical economics and AI—looking for solutions to the complex problems we face in our world together.
I'm Non-Zero-Sum James, your companion on this exploration of win-win games and how they are essential for a better future. I've been writing here at nonzerosum.games for a couple of years now, and decided it was finally time to reproduce the content in the form in which I usually consume media, audio. So, playing catch-up, every couple of days I'll be reading from the blog, exploring a new aspect of game theory, moral philosophy, ethical economics and AI—looking for solutions to the complex problems we face in our world together.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 1, 2025 • 3min
8 Bottles ~ a Simple Recycling Idea
This series of 3 episodes are about recycling, and specifically an idea I'd like to put forward as a workable solution for governments, business and the environment—8 different standard-sized glass bottles and jars. | For illustrations and sources visit the original page: https://nonzerosum.games/betterrecycling.html
Jul 14, 2025 • 6min
Negative Moral Licensing ~ the even eviler twin
Moral licensing is a well researched and understood phenomenon—I'm proposing something slightly different: negative moral licensing, where, instead of using our previous good actions to justify misbehaviour, we use the real or perceived misbehaviour of others to license ours. | https://nonzerosum.games/morallicensing2.html
Jul 12, 2025 • 5min
Moral Licensing ~ the makings of a very Negative-Sum Game
Dive into the intriguing concept of moral licensing, where past good deeds are used to rationalize questionable actions. Discover how this cycle of justification impacts not just individuals but society at large. The discussion extends to geopolitical realities, revealing how perceptions of victimization can perpetuate harmful behaviors. With references to compelling studies, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of morality's complexities in our daily lives.
Jul 2, 2025 • 15min
A Positive Double Standard
I have a confession: As a teenager I was desperate to learn how to win friends and influence people, to think and grow rich and develop the habits of highly effective people (seven to be precise)—I am James and I am a self-help-oholic. | Find the original blog + links here: https://nonzerosum.games/positivedoublestandard.html | If you'd like to check out the emergence series (mentioned in the episode) here it is: https://nonzerosum.games/emergencespirals.html
Jun 28, 2025 • 5min
A Kindness Equation
This week we ask the question: what's more effective, charity or volunteering? The answer, is, as always more complicated than that. If you're thinking about how you can best spend your efforts in making the world a better place, this is the episode for you. | The original post and links are here: https://nonzerosum.games/kindnessequation.html
Jun 23, 2025 • 9min
Capitalism ~ a Zero-Sum Game?
This episode we look objectively at the question "is capitalism a zero sum game?" the answer might be surprising. | For the original post and links: https://nonzerosum.games/capitalism.html
Jun 18, 2025 • 6min
Evil Globalisation ~ and how it's Eliminating Global Poverty
On globalisation, and how it might just surprise you. | For the original post and links: https://nonzerosum.games/globalisation.html
Jun 15, 2025 • 8min
Relative Gains ~ How not to Measure Success
We join Diderot, a very bright man made a fool by circumstance, to introduce an essential idea in understanding economics and non-zero-sum games—the issue of relative vs absolute gains. | For the original post, including links and references visit: https://nonzerosum.games/absolutevsrelative.html
Jun 12, 2025 • 8min
Diminishing Returns ~ On Happiness
Ever noticed that the first slice of pizza is always the best and each slice afterwards never quite matches up? Well, welcome to The Law of Diminishing Returns. | For links and more info: https://nonzerosum.games/diminishingreturns.html
Jun 9, 2025 • 6min
Movie Night
Every Friday our family settles in for family movie night—it's the highlight of the week, especially for the person who's "turn" it is—my wife, daughter and I take turns sharing a movie we love. Our eventual decision to take turns reflects the conclusions of game theory's... The Battle of the Sexes. | To continue exploring check out the main page: https://nonzerosum.games/battleofthesexes.html
