[ExI] Nootropics and Anders
Anders Sandberg
anders at aleph.se
Sat Dec 28 00:17:09 UTC 2013
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
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