[ExI] Nootropics and Anders

[Anders Sandberg]

On 2013-12-27 15:19, BillK wrote:
> On Fri, Dec 27, 2013 at 11:40 AM, Anders Sandberg  wrote:
>> if you are smarter you might understand what you need to do in order
>> to be nicer. You might still not *care* to be nicer, but you are better
>> poised to think about it.
> Well, yes, if you extend the range of drugs to include everything, not
> just (possible) intelligence enhancing drugs, then stuff like Oxytocin
> will make you love everybody. (Should it be added to the water
> supply?).
Actually, it doesn't (and it gets broken down if ingested orally). Most 
intriguingly, there is some evidence it makes the cohesion and niceness 
within one's own group stronger and out-groups are treated worse. 
Niceness is complex. But there are likely other drugs that does make you 
more altruistic, empathy-seeking etc. MDMA derivatives, perhaps.

> The other main disadvantage to being made twice as smart is that very
> smart people are often contemptuous of lesser intelligences.

Evidence for this? I see a lot of dumb people with contempt for others 
too. I was recently contemptuously told I was stupid by a person of 
less-than-average intelligence because I was not pursuing money with all 
my might.

I have seen proper studies finding smarter people being more cooperative 
in economic games and teamwork. Not evidence for niceness, but at least 
enlightened self-interest.

-- 
Dr Anders Sandberg
Future of Humanity Institute
Oxford Martin School
Oxford University