#7 - Effective Altruism, Happiness, and Societal Evolution

20/08/2025 11 min Temporada 2 Episodio 7

Listen "#7 - Effective Altruism, Happiness, and Societal Evolution"

Episode Synopsis

Initially focusing on the nature of happiness through different life stages, from the inherent joy of childhood to the potential for wisdom in old age. They explore the role of marriage and parenthood in fostering selflessness and combating egocentrism, as well as the nuances of altruism and charitable giving, with a critical look at "effective altruism" and its potential economic distortions. The dialogue further examines the interplay between genetics and environment in shaping individuals, particularly through the lens of twin studies and the concept of epigenetics, asserting that personal response to experiences is crucial. Finally, they discuss the influence of art and culture on societal behavior, specifically addressing the debate around sexist song lyrics and their actual impact on gender inequality, concluding that art often reflects, rather than causes, societal shifts.