Very Bad Wizards Episode 130: Dehumanization and Disintegration (with Paul Bloom)
Dec 26, 2017
Honorary Third Wizard, Paul Bloom, joins Tamler and David to discuss dehumanization and cruelty. They also explore the stages of Star Trek transporter cognition, the process of choosing a Dalai Lama, and give their thoughts on Season 3 of Mr. Robot.
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Episode notes
War Child Video Shifted Paul's Sense Of Impact
- Paul recounts being moved by a War Child video at the Jacobs Foundation event and feeling his own research pales in direct impact.
- He wanted to donate on the spot but joked he stayed to study children's moral development instead.
Balance Direct Aid With Research's Long Term Value
- Support causes you value but recognize research has intrinsic worth; Bloom suggests both practical aid (donations) and studying minds can have value.
- He used his Jacobs funding to pursue moral development work while praising War Child's direct impact.
Dystopia Picks Highlight Different Real-World Fears
- Hosts ask Paul about favorite dystopias; Paul mentions Huxley and Orwell and flags Mad Max as a different caution.
- He worries modern political fears map poorly to specific dystopias like The Handmaid's Tale.