Topics Discussed: Lessons about human behavior from WWII, System 1 and system 2: thinking fast and slow, Deep learning, How hard is autonomous driving?, Explainability in AI and humans , Experiencing self and the remembering self, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, How much of human behavior can we study in the lab?, Collaboration, Replication crisis in psychology, Disagreements and controversies in psychology, Test for AGI, Meaning of life.
Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman is an Israeli-American psychologist and economist notable for his work on the psychology of judgment and decision-making, as well as behavioral economics, for which he was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (shared with Vernon L. Smith). His empirical findings challenge the assumption of human rationality prevailing in modern economic theory.
Books Mentioned in this Podcast with Daniel Kahneman:
Daniel Kahneman: Deciphering the Dual Systems of the Human Mind
Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman delves into the intricacies of human thought and decision-making in an enlightening conversation with Lex Fridman. As a pioneering psychologist, Kahneman's research has reshaped our understanding of how we think, decide, and act.
The Dual Systems: Fast and Slow Thinking
Kahneman introduces the concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking. While System 1 operates swiftly and instinctively, often driven by emotions, System 2 is deliberate, logical, and requires cognitive effort. This dichotomy, as detailed in his book 'Thinking Fast and Slow', offers profound insights into the cognitive biases and heuristics that shape our judgments.
Prospect Theory and Cognitive Biases
Delving deeper, Kahneman discusses the groundbreaking prospect theory, which examines how people make decisions involving risk and uncertainty. He also touches upon the myriad cognitive biases that influence our perceptions, choices, and behaviors, often in ways we're unaware of.
Personal Experiences and Wartime Reflections
The conversation also veers into Kahneman's personal experiences during World War II. These poignant memories offer a glimpse into the profound events that shaped his life, worldview, and academic pursuits, underscoring the deep interplay between personal experiences and professional explorations.