Scott Alexander explores the ethics of eugenics and population control through fictional debates, comparing historical figures and policies. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the ethics of eugenics and population control through a dialogue between fictional characters. The post starts with a debate on whether eugenics can be ethical if implemented voluntarily, then compares the historical impacts of eugenics advocate Francis Galton and population control advocate Paul Ehrlich. It explores how Ehrlich's ideas led to forced sterilizations in India yet he remains respected, while Galton is vilified. The dialogue then debates whether this discrepancy is justified and how to evaluate ideas that led to harmful outcomes. The post ends with a discussion on the role of government in implementing controversial policies for perceived greater goods. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander reviews several model city projects, analyzing their feasibility and unique challenges with a mix of skepticism and interest. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses several model city projects, including Telosa (a planned Georgist utopia in the American desert), Prospera (a libertarian charter city in Honduras), Auroville (an existing spiritual community in India), and other related developments. He analyzes the feasibility, challenges, and unique aspects of each project, often with a skeptical but open-minded perspective. Shorter summary