Ep 108: Dr. Kurt Gray | Morality, values, and the 'problem of other minds'

Rethinking Communication

Imagine I'm standing right across from you and I tell you I'm thinking about eating a steak. Psychology tells us that you likely would assume that was true, and that actually, you assume the things most people tell you are true.

But how can you be sure?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Kurt Gray, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina and the Director of the Deepest Beliefs Lab as well as the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding.

I came across Kurt’s work when I watched his TEDx Talk, What Am I Thinking, where he illustrates just how hard it is to know what’s in another person’s mind and in turn, what might be true for them.

It’s called the problem with other minds, and it is a major stumbling block when it comes to the things we value, our morals as individuals, and our ability to communicate across disagreements and divides.

Watch Kurt's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQmQMCi5mNc

Check out Kurt's work: https://www.kurtjgray.com/

Follow Kurt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kurtjgray