Scott Alexander defends social psychology against conservative criticism, arguing that it correctly balances situational and personality factors in human behavior, and proposes a progressive approach that leverages human nature for positive outcomes. Longer summary

Scott Alexander critiques a conservative perspective on social psychology, arguing that the field correctly recognizes the importance of both situation and personality in human behavior. He explains that social psychology's focus on situational effects doesn't negate the existence of personality traits or genetic influences. Scott uses an analogy of the heart as a series of levers to illustrate how the brain might be hard-coded for malleability. He then shares a hospital anecdote to demonstrate how progressive approaches can effectively use knowledge of human nature to create better outcomes. The post concludes by defining Scott's brand of progressivism as using knowledge of human nature to create structures that encourage prosocial behavior. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander provides a satirical account of a hospital orientation, highlighting its various absurdities and contradictions. Longer summary

Scott Alexander humorously recounts his experience at a hospital orientation, highlighting the quirks and ironies of the process. He describes various elements such as the nun's welcome, the mission statement, ethical guidelines rooted in Catholicism, introductions to executives from the auto industry, an educational movie about drunk driving, a work-life balance presentation, and an inspirational speech about Jesus guiding medical practice. Throughout, Scott's sardonic observations and suppressed comments reveal the often absurd and contradictory nature of such orientations in a medical setting. Shorter summary