Slave to Your DNA? Rationality Will Set You Free

Julia Galef, president and co-founder of the Center for Applied Rationality, describes humanity as slave to its own genes: that is, people exist solely to perpetuate their DNA. Furthermore, she argues, we have to contend with the fact that "the genes don't care about us."

[bsirius]

I plan to read "Robot Rebellion" and I've watched the full presentation linked in the lowbar.

Good stuff!

I think the premise of her presentation is (unwittingly) emphasized even more strongly by the likelihood that a significant fraction of heterosexual males who are in the midst of early adulthood will be unable to watch this without a sexualized perception of Ms. Galef, if only momentarily. That, in and of itself, should be a palpable reminder that we are indeed slaves to DNA that has no other functional goal than its own self-perpetuation.

[spampsdof]

Such a compelling concept, I had been thinking about this as well, the problem is that rationality does not have the proven track record emotions have. Given that being emotional has made us survive for millions of years, and rationality doesn't even have couple of hundred.

[kitsummers]

if only 'rationality' wasn't just a constructed way of thinking, strongly depending on 'cultur' and society, I could share her enthusiasm...

[DaylightDigital]

However, once brains exist, entire realms of possibilities open up that were not heretofore possible

[PinkProgram]

Did that answer my question? You can't model a scenario and then rationally think it through?

[DaylightDigital]

There are plenty of other ways to survive and thrive other than big brains, that is why it took so long for brains to come on the scene.

[TheAnubisDrake]

I've contiously chosen not to reproduce.
That alone contradicts your stance on this issue.

[PinkProgram]

How many rational machines do you know? ^_^ Can't you rationally posit a way to not be a slave? ;3

[TheAnubisDrake]

There is no maybe about it. The purpose of genes is propagation. I am denying them their primary function.

[Aeternuss]

Julia Galef you are a nerdy girl and I love you :)