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By extension of that logic, the brain is not geared for reason, which I think is probably true.
by gglitch 11y ago
By extension of that logic, the brain is not geared for reason, which I think is probably true.
- eli_gottlieb 11y agoThe brain is geared for resource-bounded abductive reasoning, a job it performs with remarkable efficiency.
- gglitch 11y agoDoes it? I don't know. Obviously results will vary. I think the standout example of the brain's wiring no longer being optimal for modern life is of people's physiological responses to anxiety. Elevated heartrate and adrenaline release are all great when you're being chased by a predator, but extremely unhelpful when you're taking a standardized test that will determine how much tuition you pay later on, or delivering a presentation to a prospective employer.
- a3voices 11y agoWell I think the fundamental issue is that it is impossible to rationally prove which values are more important than other ones. You have to almost arbitrarily decide. For example you could hypothetically design an artificial intelligence that is optimized for creating paperclips. As a person, you could decide your life goal is to drink as much glue as possible or something stupid like that. But since it goes against your survival instinct and cultural values (and everyone else's) you will just be a dysfunctional crazy person. Biologically you could define a "good" value system as one which is conducive to you having offspring. Ethics, morality, cultural values, etc. are not necessary for that although they might provide intellectual simplifications that help.
- ionised 11y agoSurvival instinct isn't the same as reproductive isntinct though. I have the will to survive but zero desire to have children.