Can we detect hidden motives?

Detecting hidden motives can be quite complex, and Dwarkesh Patel has explored this topic in depth.

Key Points on Detecting Hidden Motives:

1. Awareness of False Explanations:

   • Humans have a certain capacity to detect false explanations, but this is often heightened when dealing with rivals. We are more sensitive to deception from those we see as competitors. However, it is harder to notice our own hidden motives and those commonly shared among us all 1.

2. Fundamental Forces Driving Choices:

   • In discussing "The Elephant in the Brain," Patel and Robin Hanson highlight that there are both proximal and distal causes behind our choices. While we might not be fully aware of these deeper, often subconscious drivers, understanding them can illuminate hidden motives. These fundamental forces behind decisions may remain consistent even when apparent rationalizations change 2.

3. Embedded Norms and Social Rules:

   • Despite our ability to skirt social norms, detecting and adhering to these norms plays a critical part in societal functioning. Humans are unique in their approach to enforcing norms collectively, which helps in maintaining societal order even in the face of hidden motives 1.

4. Complexity of Human Conversation:

   • Conversations often serve purposes beyond the obvious exchange of information. Patel's discussions reveal that while information sharing is a significant component, it is not the predominant reason for casual conversation. The underlying social and psychological needs driving our interactions often remain unspoken but critical to understanding hidden motives in dialogue 3.
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       1

       Detecting Hidden Motives

       00:26:52
       
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       2

       Uncovering Hidden Motives

       00:15:07
       
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       3

       Uncovering Conversation's Hidden Motives

       00:36:50
       
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       4

       Trust and Motivation

       01:44:06
       

5. Evolving Trustworthiness:

   • Carl Shulman pointed out that it's challenging to maintain a false narrative indefinitely without leaking information that could betray true motives. Evolution has favored those who are genuinely trustworthy, as consistently maintaining a façade of trustworthiness is difficult. This evolutionary trait is crucial for understanding hidden motives and can be applied to AI development to some extent 4.

These insights provide a framework for understanding and detecting hidden motives in human behavior.

If you're interested in more in-depth explorations of this topic, you can check out the full episode featuring Robin Hanson on "The Lunar Society" podcast The Long View and The Elephant in the Brain.