Difference between revisions of "DEC 8"

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==26: DEC 8==
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==29: DEC 8==
  
 
===Assigned===
 
===Assigned===
  
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:*Gilbert, C8, “Paradise Glossed” (21)
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:*Let's use our last class to go over course resources on PP2 and reflect a bit on morality.
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:*Gilbert, C9, “Immune to Reality” (23)
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:*Try to watch some of the prison videos, etc. and do your own searches (and send me links)
  
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===Gilbert, Chapter 8: Paradise Glossed===
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:*Search results on prisons and punishment:
 +
::*See spreadsheet in Main Shared Folder. 
 +
::*Also some here: [[Search results on prisons and punishment - FALL 2022 Ethics]]
  
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:*Opening examples of people "re-narrating" horrible events in their lives, including wrongdoing and public humiliation. Asymmetry between people's estimates of misfortune (loss of ability) and estimates of people in those situations.
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:*A couple to share now:
 +
::*The Atlantic, data visualization on incarceration of African Americans [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u51_pzax4M0]
 +
::*Data visualization on mass incarceration. [https://mkorostoff.github.io/incarceration-in-real-numbers/]
 +
::*"Comparing Prisons Around the World" Be Amazed. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIoJCGUu1pY]
  
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:*"If negative events don't hit us as hard as we expect them to, then why do we expect them to?" Interested in discrepancy between cs forecast and actual experience.
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:*Susan Blackmore, "Living Without Free Will" (recommended)
  
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:*Suggests that the process of creating and attending to meanings is crucial (154-155). Evidence from examples of mind actively interpreting/seeing stimuli through mental structures like the “letterbox” (The Cat). Or Necker cube.  '''We respond, in part, to our own representations of reality.'''  (Recall the Truck cubby hole perspective taking experiment)
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===In-class===
  
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:*Definers and self-rating study (159). importance of relative complexity of experience (over visual illusions).  '''Complexity creates ambiguity which we exploit with narrative'''  Kale and ice cream study, 159.  Our immediate experience can change our relative perceptions of arrays of other objects and experiences. 
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:*Short talk, “From Ethics to Happiness: Turning up the Volume on Values"
  
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:*major thesis on 160.  Once our experience becomes actual, our uncs goes to work renarrating the story with positive bias.  a kind of "psychological immune system"  (psychological investment system).  (recall the poster study.)  Interesting practical advice follows: You might be able to choose a more or less positive way of looking at situations that have ambiguous interpretations. '''You are trying to strike a balance between disabling self-criticism and panglossian self-delusion'''.see 162. 
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===Blackmore - Living Without Free Will===
  
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:*We Cook the Facts (164):  The mind needs some like a fact for belief, (but facts are not always readily available), so... it cooks the evidence.  IQ test takers selection of article on IQ bias.  By selecting sampling (attending to ads for the cars we bought), by conversational practices (not, "Am I the best lover..., but ....").  
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:*Thesis:  Free will is an unnecessary illusion that you might be better off getting over.  SB grants that many find this an impossible view.
  
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:*Evidence that we cook the facts comes from situations in which there are symmetrical and predictable inconsistencies in a group's interpretation (sports fans 168), or studies that show that we select evidence that fits our views (169).  (This is also the evidence that is moving some faculty to blind grading!)
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:*Cites Wegner (2002): research suggesting that the feeling of agency ("I did it!") might be "post-hoc" attribution.   
  
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===Gilbert, Chapter 9: Immune to Reality (Openness to Investment in Reality)===
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:*”Inner self is illusion.” Illusion can mean something that isn’t there or something that isn’t what it seems.  SB means the latter.
  
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:*Clever Hans
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:*Blackmore agrees with Dennett's analysis (but thinks his book should be called "Choice Evolves"), but thinks FW is an illusion.  Dennett says “free will worth having” is the kind he describes in ''Freedom Evolves''. 
  
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:*Confabulation: People  are unaware of many influences on them, but when asked will create a story or reason that provides a plausible explanation other than the actual influence.  Priming studies.  Negative words flashed on screen produces more negative judgments. (note about being "strangers to ourselves" -- connects with Leary, Curse of Self)
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:*She considers two possibilities: "Living 'as if'" and "Rejecting the Illusion" - favors the latter.
  
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:*(Thesis is that we also do this (exp uncs priming and confabulation) at the narrative level as well.)
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:*'''Living "as if"'''
  
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:*thesis on 174:  not only do we cook the facts, but we need to consume them in a way that doesn't reveal the fabrication or alteration.  (One way that we become "strangers to ourselves" is that we need to conceal the fact that we're cooking the facts.)
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::*Wegner quote:  "virtual agency" is part of a useful mental accounting system.  But virtual agency is an illusion created by our brains.   
 +
::*Patricia Churchland: It's a "user illusion" that you make an uninfluenced, self-conscious choice.
 +
::*"Illusionism" can be defended.  If you believe bad consequences follow from giving it up....
 +
::*Criminal Justice system would be fairer without the illusion of FW.  No retribution.  
  
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:*Looking forward/backward (recall examples from 153, in which we over-predict the effect of negative events): asymmetry in judgments of events when looked at '''prospectively and retrospectively'''. Thesis: We assume that the views looking forward and backward are symmetrical, but they are not.  You won't value things the same way once events transpire, but the process of revaluation is largely hidden from us.  
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::*Stronger position: You can't get rid of the illusion even if you wanted to.  "I'm determined to believe in FW."
  
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:*Judge/Jury Rejection study:  prospectively we aren't aware that we'll more easily write off the judge's decision than the jury's. (176) -- ''key issue: if the explanation for the result is so obvious, why can't the test subjects anticipate it?''
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:*'''"Rejecting the Illusion"''' -
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:*great example of confabulation too. (Basically, we don't realize the jury decision threatens the immune system more.)
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::*166: "sitting by the fire" example
 +
::*William James - getting out of bed on cold morning.  Analyze that feeling of "indecision".
 +
::*Blackmore 167: going out on a cold night. "...not because "i" made the decision of my own free will. It is because this is the decision that the whole universe came up with for this person under those circumstances."
  
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:*Regret: when we blame ourselves for outcomes we might have anticipated.  A kind of "personal liability" emotion.  Sometimes useful.  Problem of the number of things you didn't do.  (research on p. 179: suggesting that we regret omissions more than commissions, though we predict that we'll regret commissions more.)  Why is this?  Gilbert's thesis: It's harder for the immune system to re-narrate an event that didn't happen.
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::*Thought experiment to her students: "But if I don't have free will why would I get up in the morning? Why would I do anything?" Go ahead. Try it!
  
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:*Psychological Immune System:  Very bad things trigger it more than slightly bad things.  "it is sometimes more difficult to achieve a positive view of a ''bad'' experience than a ''very bad'' experience. Concept of "psychological investment" in initiation rites study (181).  Triggers at work in the negative feedback study (182).  
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::*Blackmore thinks of consciousness more as events than a place in your head where things "enter into conscious awareness".  Likewise, maybe, with free will.  [Possible criticism: Just because it would be mistaken to believe in the homunculus, it doesn't mean that there are no neural processes that imitate some of it's less exotic functions (like updating us by making this conscious to us - "Oh right, I have a paper to write.").  [Arguably, that’s your evolved, “user illusion” homunculus talking.]
  
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:*Claims that we experience "sunk costs" in relationships.  Trade offs between changing our experience and changing our view of our experience.  Photo selection satisfaction study involving "escape" and "no escape" conditions p 184. Subjects in the escape condition were less satisfied with their choices. Yet test subjects asked which they would prefer say that want the escape option.  (notice prospection/retrospection asymmetry)
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::*169: Some of the exercises she asks her students to do.  "Am I conscious now?"  Sometimes primes them to be more conscious.  (Related to mindfulness).
  
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:*Speculative Theory about how we use explanations: "Explanations allow us to make full use of our experiences, but they also change the natures of those experiences." 186. beneficial effect of writing about trauma,  simulated student study involving identified vs. unidentified admirers. 187.   Happiness buzz lasts longer on unidentified (power of unexplained) .  (Interesting implication for seeking "love from the world".)  Suggested as support for theory. Unexplained events have bigger impact.  Other studies suggest explanations can get in the way of emotional impact.  Point: We respond to unexplained and mysterious events with higher interest and affect, even attributing great significance to them, but we also relentlessly try to explain things, thus diminishing their emotional impact.  Example of research with Smile Society cards.  Details may have detracted from positive impact.  (Again, people think the card with the explanation will have higher impact.)  "The price we pay for our irrepressible explanatory urge is that we often spoil our most pleasant experiences by making good sense of them." 191
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:*'''Morality and Responsibility'''
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::*You might think that you would have more regrets giving up FW, but no.   
 +
::*Wegner: knowing its an illusion gives him a sense of peace. “There are a whole lot of things that I don’t have to worry about controlling because I know that I’m just a little window on a lovely machines that’s doing lots of things.”
  
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===Some concluding ideas about Happiness and Wisdom===
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::*Conversation with her Dad.  Maybe FW (or belief in it) makes us "want to be good"  (recall Henrich).  But we’re not wicked, in general.  (“I’m determined to improve the future!”). Her answer, 173: Ultimately we’re designed by evolution to benefit from being good.
  
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:*1. Happiness “evolves,” but evolution isn’t about happiness.   
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::*SB's point: All of your motivations to be good (self-interest, reputation, altruism) will still be there after you give up FW.   
  
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:*2. The bite of reality is lessen by understanding necessity and by our own psychological “tool kits.” 
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:*'''Paying Attention'''
 +
::*In meditation, a great deal of "quieting the mind" is about getting the self to shut up so you can pay attention to the mind.
  
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:*3. The future is a problem.
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===Small group===
  
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:*4. We often miss opportunities for happiness, but then, it’s a moving target.
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:*Consider Susan Blackmore’s discussion. How far does her advice go for you?
 +
::*I’m holding out for Free Will.  It doesn’t feel like a user illusion.
 +
::*I’ll do the “as if” (like Wegner).  It’s a useful user illusion and it works better if you believe in it. Or, it would be dangerous to give up. Or both.
 +
::*Some of the benefits of “living without free will” look promising, but I’m not sure. CJ fairness. Appreciation of my nature. That we are designed to benefit from being good.
 +
::*Damn straight. I’m giving up free will today!
  
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:*5. Wisdom is a real capacity that we can cultivate through both cognitive and affective skills.
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===Concluding Course Comments===
 +
 
 +
:*Review of [[Major Ethics Course Questions]]
 +
 
 +
:*Philosophical Method and Knowledge
 +
 
 +
:*Finally, “How can I use my profound knowledge of morality to improve the world?” (Or, What can I do now that I couldn’t do (as well) 15 weeks ago?)
 +
 
 +
:*Last reminder: What is Morality? What are Values? How are they enforced?
 +
 
 +
::*Morality is about problems that can be addressed by values.
 +
::*Values are expectations of others to think, speak, feel, and act in particular ways (and sometimes to refrain from thinking, speaking, etc. in particular ways).
 +
::*We enforce values in social life by many means, from conversation about expectations, gossip about others’ behavior, and, of course, the justice system.
 +
 
 +
::*In culture, values play out dynamically.  Cooperation is not guaranteed.  Compliance with social contracts is not guaranteed (US Jan 6. Today, Peru and Germany.). We have to speak up for values and show moral concern.  Withdrawing from values talk weakens them.
 +
 
 +
:*The Basic Evo-Morality question: What are (fitness) challenges that my country and the global face?  (My list!)
 +
 
 +
:*To the extent that values can help with those problems, how can I contribute?
 +
 
 +
::*Ideology v Pragmatism about outcomes.  (Mention just survey.). Focus on problem solving v ideology. Approach politics as “team of rivals” rather than “
 +
::*Use your knowledge about the persistence of difference (pol and moral orientation) to build cooperative relationships across differences.  Avoid negative polarization and call it out.  Tucker Carlson and Chris Hayes are not enlightened in this regard.
 +
::*On the interpersonal level - Turn up the volume on positive and reinforcing behaviors, not only with your friends and family. Go to the empathy gym. Model your value ideals.

Latest revision as of 21:03, 8 December 2022

29: DEC 8

Assigned

  • Let's use our last class to go over course resources on PP2 and reflect a bit on morality.
  • Try to watch some of the prison videos, etc. and do your own searches (and send me links)
  • Search results on prisons and punishment:
  • A couple to share now:
  • The Atlantic, data visualization on incarceration of African Americans [1]
  • Data visualization on mass incarceration. [2]
  • "Comparing Prisons Around the World" Be Amazed. [3]
  • Susan Blackmore, "Living Without Free Will" (recommended)

In-class

  • Short talk, “From Ethics to Happiness: Turning up the Volume on Values"

Blackmore - Living Without Free Will

  • Thesis: Free will is an unnecessary illusion that you might be better off getting over. SB grants that many find this an impossible view.
  • Cites Wegner (2002): research suggesting that the feeling of agency ("I did it!") might be "post-hoc" attribution.
  • ”Inner self is illusion.” Illusion can mean something that isn’t there or something that isn’t what it seems. SB means the latter.
  • Blackmore agrees with Dennett's analysis (but thinks his book should be called "Choice Evolves"), but thinks FW is an illusion. Dennett says “free will worth having” is the kind he describes in Freedom Evolves.
  • She considers two possibilities: "Living 'as if'" and "Rejecting the Illusion" - favors the latter.
  • Living "as if"
  • Wegner quote: "virtual agency" is part of a useful mental accounting system. But virtual agency is an illusion created by our brains.
  • Patricia Churchland: It's a "user illusion" that you make an uninfluenced, self-conscious choice.
  • "Illusionism" can be defended. If you believe bad consequences follow from giving it up....
  • Criminal Justice system would be fairer without the illusion of FW. No retribution.
  • Stronger position: You can't get rid of the illusion even if you wanted to. "I'm determined to believe in FW."
  • "Rejecting the Illusion" -
  • 166: "sitting by the fire" example
  • William James - getting out of bed on cold morning. Analyze that feeling of "indecision".
  • Blackmore 167: going out on a cold night. "...not because "i" made the decision of my own free will. It is because this is the decision that the whole universe came up with for this person under those circumstances."
  • Thought experiment to her students: "But if I don't have free will why would I get up in the morning? Why would I do anything?" Go ahead. Try it!
  • Blackmore thinks of consciousness more as events than a place in your head where things "enter into conscious awareness". Likewise, maybe, with free will. [Possible criticism: Just because it would be mistaken to believe in the homunculus, it doesn't mean that there are no neural processes that imitate some of it's less exotic functions (like updating us by making this conscious to us - "Oh right, I have a paper to write."). [Arguably, that’s your evolved, “user illusion” homunculus talking.]
  • 169: Some of the exercises she asks her students to do. "Am I conscious now?" Sometimes primes them to be more conscious. (Related to mindfulness).
  • Morality and Responsibility
  • You might think that you would have more regrets giving up FW, but no.
  • Wegner: knowing its an illusion gives him a sense of peace. “There are a whole lot of things that I don’t have to worry about controlling because I know that I’m just a little window on a lovely machines that’s doing lots of things.”
  • Conversation with her Dad. Maybe FW (or belief in it) makes us "want to be good" (recall Henrich). But we’re not wicked, in general. (“I’m determined to improve the future!”). Her answer, 173: Ultimately we’re designed by evolution to benefit from being good.
  • SB's point: All of your motivations to be good (self-interest, reputation, altruism) will still be there after you give up FW.
  • Paying Attention
  • In meditation, a great deal of "quieting the mind" is about getting the self to shut up so you can pay attention to the mind.

Small group

  • Consider Susan Blackmore’s discussion. How far does her advice go for you?
  • I’m holding out for Free Will. It doesn’t feel like a user illusion.
  • I’ll do the “as if” (like Wegner). It’s a useful user illusion and it works better if you believe in it. Or, it would be dangerous to give up. Or both.
  • Some of the benefits of “living without free will” look promising, but I’m not sure. CJ fairness. Appreciation of my nature. That we are designed to benefit from being good.
  • Damn straight. I’m giving up free will today!

Concluding Course Comments

  • Philosophical Method and Knowledge
  • Finally, “How can I use my profound knowledge of morality to improve the world?” (Or, What can I do now that I couldn’t do (as well) 15 weeks ago?)
  • Last reminder: What is Morality? What are Values? How are they enforced?
  • Morality is about problems that can be addressed by values.
  • Values are expectations of others to think, speak, feel, and act in particular ways (and sometimes to refrain from thinking, speaking, etc. in particular ways).
  • We enforce values in social life by many means, from conversation about expectations, gossip about others’ behavior, and, of course, the justice system.
  • In culture, values play out dynamically. Cooperation is not guaranteed. Compliance with social contracts is not guaranteed (US Jan 6. Today, Peru and Germany.). We have to speak up for values and show moral concern. Withdrawing from values talk weakens them.
  • The Basic Evo-Morality question: What are (fitness) challenges that my country and the global face? (My list!)
  • To the extent that values can help with those problems, how can I contribute?
  • Ideology v Pragmatism about outcomes. (Mention just survey.). Focus on problem solving v ideology. Approach politics as “team of rivals” rather than “
  • Use your knowledge about the persistence of difference (pol and moral orientation) to build cooperative relationships across differences. Avoid negative polarization and call it out. Tucker Carlson and Chris Hayes are not enlightened in this regard.
  • On the interpersonal level - Turn up the volume on positive and reinforcing behaviors, not only with your friends and family. Go to the empathy gym. Model your value ideals.
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