Scott Alexander highlights and responds to expert comments on his previous posts about Zulresso and Zuranolone, covering various aspects of these drugs and related topics. Longer summary

Scott Alexander summarizes and responds to comments on his previous posts about Zulresso and Zuranolone. The post covers various topics including drug pricing, mechanism details of GABA receptors, etymology of drug names, tolerance development, progesterone's effects, and personal experiences with progesterone. Scott expresses appreciation for the expertise of his commenters, particularly in biomedical topics, and acknowledges learning new information from them. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander explores a theory suggesting that complex features of human biology evolved as defenses against parasite manipulation, discussing its implications for understanding psychiatric medications and biological complexity. Longer summary

This post discusses a theory proposed by Marco del Giudice in his paper 'Brain Evolution Through The Lens Of Parasite Manipulation'. The theory suggests that many complex features of human biology, particularly in neurotransmitter systems, evolved as defenses against parasite manipulation of host behavior. The post outlines various strategies that organisms might use to defend against such manipulation, including complicated signaling cascades, feedback loops, pulse-based communication, individual variability, and the use of antimicrobial substances as neurotransmitters. Scott Alexander explores the implications of this theory for understanding psychiatric medications, tolerance effects, and the complexity of human biology. He concludes by discussing the strengths and potential weaknesses of the theory, noting that while it's an interesting perspective, it's too early to determine its full validity or impact. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the risks of Adderall use, analyzing medical, addiction, tolerance, and neurotoxicity concerns, concluding that the benefits outweigh the risks for well-informed patients. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores the risks of Adderall use, examining medical risks, addiction potential, tolerance development, and possible neurotoxicity. He critically analyzes existing research and shares his clinical experience, ultimately concluding that while there are some concerning risks, they are not severe enough to stop prescribing stimulants to patients who might benefit from them, provided they are well-informed about the risks. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines political tribalism in America, arguing that people often claim tolerance while harboring strong prejudices against their outgroups. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores the concept of outgroups and ingroups, arguing that people often claim to be tolerant of all groups except their perceived outgroup. He suggests that in modern American society, political tribes (Red and Blue) have become more significant than traditional demographic divisions. The essay analyzes how these tribes interact, criticize each other, and sometimes engage in self-criticism that may actually be veiled attacks on the opposing tribe. Alexander ultimately reflects on his own biases and the difficulty of genuine self-criticism and tolerance. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander, though pro-gay rights, criticizes the suspension of Phil Robertson for his comments, arguing for broader societal tolerance of differing views beyond legal requirements. Longer summary

Scott Alexander responds to a post by JT criticizing defenders of Phil Robertson, who was suspended for his comments about homosexuality. Scott, while being pro-gay rights, expresses concern about Robertson's suspension. He argues that although freedom of speech doesn't legally bind private actors, there's a societal need for tolerance of differing views beyond legal requirements. He draws parallels with religious freedom and warns against normalizing punishment for expressing opinions, suggesting it could backfire on minority groups like atheists or gay people. Scott emphasizes the importance of counterarguments over punitive actions in ideological debates. Shorter summary