Improving decision-making

Abstract

This article proposes that improving human decision-making capabilities could lead to significant positive change in the future. The author argues that making people smarter, improving institutional decision-making, and encouraging metacognition will likely empower individuals to better address the problems they face and build infrastructure that supports future generations. The author also considers the counterargument that humans primarily create their own problems, and thus, making them more capable could exacerbate these issues. However, they contend that the benefits of improved decision-making outweigh the risks, as people generally seek to make their world better. Uncertainties and potential negative consequences are acknowledged and discussed. The author concludes that enhancing human decision-making abilities is a promising avenue for altruistic interventions, but further research is needed to understand the potential magnitude of the positive impacts. – AI-generated abstract.