The Score
Summary
Roman Mars interviews philosopher C.T. Nguyen about his book *The Score*, exploring how metrics and scoring systems shape our values and behaviors. They discuss "value capture," where simplified metrics replace nuanced goals, and contrast the soul-draining nature of institutional KPIs with the liberating structure of games. Nguyen explains concepts like "striving play" and the "magic circle," arguing that while metrics can flatten meaning, they can also unlock focus and joy if we consciously design the games we play.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Everpeer and Pacific Life
Intro: C.T. Nguyen's book 'The Score' and the trap of metrics
Value Capture: Outsourcing values to simplified metrics
Why we love metrics: Safety and social comprehension
The Paradox: Scoring in games vs. real life
Striving Play vs. Achievement Play and the Magic Circle
Fly Fishing as a game of attention and altered states
Sponsors: Article, Edward Jones, Quince, and CarMax
Using metrics for good: Policing and public health
Designing your own games: Student-led grading experiment
Outro, Credits, and Sponsors
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