Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR)

Research activities (lightcone project): our research activities consist of theoretical and empirical investigations by staff, presented in internal colloquia, longitudinal studies, research reports, and more. Most of these occur under the "lightcone" project brand. We also host the online research forums, lesswrong and the alignment forum, where staff from cfar and other academic and research organisations share and discuss research progress via: technical reports, blog posts, and draft papers, in the fields of: psychology, computer science, economics, Rationality, and ai. Cfar operates a research Center and office which runs seminars and visitor programs for researchers from both the organisation and other groups, universities and institutes based in the area. In 2022 cfar acquired the rose garden inn property to expand its research Center operations. Cfar also runs research retreats for staff and invited guests, who spend sustained effort in this location over 1-2 weeks answering questions about e.g. The nature of intelligence.

Main workshops & research - cfar has performed literature reviews in psychology, cognitive science, and related fields in order to develop a range of mental techniques designed to help improve clarity of thinking and decision-making, and increase internal alignment towards goals. Our workshops are 4-day immersive programs designed to teach participants these techniques in a practical way. The workshop consists mostly of lectures and exercises, as well as opportunities for participants to train each other on the techniques.