1133: The Philosophy of Scores: How to Measure What Truly Matters and Stop Playing Someone Else’s Game with C. Thi Nguyen

1133: The Philosophy of Scores: How to Measure What Truly Matters and Stop Playing Someone Else’s Game with C. Thi Nguyen

Author: How to be Awesome at Your Job March 2, 2026 Duration: 47:11
Thi Nguyen draws on the philosophy of games to explain how scores and metrics impact our lives—and what we can do to use them more meaningfully.  — YOU’LL LEARN —  1) How metrics can coopt our values and behavior 2) The hidden costs of the desire to quantify everything 3) Why the wrong people often seem to get ahead Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1133 for clickable versions of the links below.  — ABOUT THI —  C. Thi Nguyen is associate professor of philosophy at the University of Utah, and a specialist in the philosophy of games, the philosophy of technology, and the theory of value.  A former food writer for the Los Angeles Times, Nguyen is active in public philosophy, writing for The New York Times, The Washington Post, New Statesman, and elsewhere. • Book: The Score: How to Stop Playing Somebody Else's Game • Website: Objectionable.net • Bluesky: @add-hawk — RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW —  • Study: The Cultural Evolution of Bad Science by Paul Smaldino and Richard McElrath • Book: Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed (The Institution for Social and Policy St) by James Scott • Book: Trust and Antitrust: A Philosophical Exploration of Ethics by Annette Baier • Book: The Grasshopper - Third Edition: Games, Life and Utopia by Bernard Suits — THANK YOU SPONSORS! —  • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME. • Vanguard. Give your clients consistent results year in and year out with vanguard.com/AUDIO • Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/better See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like there's a gap between the work you're doing and the work you know you're capable of? That's the space where How to Be Awesome at Your Job lives. Hosted by Pete, this long-running podcast digs into the practical, often overlooked tactics that transform good performance into remarkable impact. Rather than abstract theory, each conversation with accomplished thought-leaders and results-getters focuses on extracting specific, actionable insights you can apply immediately. You'll hear real stories and candid advice that sharpen universal skills-like clear communication, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration-which are essential for any role that involves working with others and solving problems. With over 25 million downloads and recognition from places like The New York Times and Forbes, the podcast has become a trusted resource for professionals seeking more than just a checklist. It’s about cultivating a more fulfilling career, finding more meaning in your daily tasks, and yes, creating more wins and financial reward along the way. Tune in to discover how small shifts in approach can lead to significant gains in your performance, your well-being, and your overall enjoyment of the work you do.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

How to Be Awesome at Your Job
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