#1073 - Steven Pinker
Steven Pinker is a cognitive psychologist, linguist, and popular science author. He is Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University, and is known for his advocacy of evolutionary psychology and the computational theory of mind. His new book "Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress" will be released in February 2018.
Episodes with Steven Pinker
Categories
Key Takeaways
Intellectual discourse suffers due to outrage culture and political correctness.
This highlights the need for open discussions on controversial topics.
Average psychological differences between genders are often ignored or misrepresented.
Understanding these differences can foster better discussions about equality and rights.
Reputation is essential for cooperation in society.
It encourages altruism and the maintenance of social bonds.
Social media influences our behavior through perceived anonymity.
This can lead to a decline in kindness and increase negative interactions.
Social media can create outrage mobs that harm public figures without context.
This insight highlights the dangers of anonymity and mob mentality online.
Watch the full episode of #1073 - Steven Pinker.
Episode Timestamps
Discussion on Alt-Right, Gender Differences, and Intellectual Discourse
- The alt-right movement is misunderstood and conflated with extreme ideologies.
- Gender differences in traits are often taboo in intellectual circles.
- Outrage culture stifles nuanced discussions on complex issues.
Exploring the Impact of Reputation in Human Behavior
- Reputation plays a critical role in fostering cooperation among individuals.
- Social media's anonymity can lead to decreased civility in interactions.
- Generosity and kindness are viewed as valuable traits in social contexts.
Navigating Social Media's Impact on Society and Writing
- Social media facilitates outrage culture, affecting public discourse and accountability.
- Historical parallels reveal how collective fear can lead to social media witch hunts.
- Effective writing should foster dialogue, not just one-way communication.
The Complexity of Knowledge and Human Intelligence
- Curse knowledge complicates the writing process and reader comprehension.
- Human intelligence appears to be increasing despite individual cognitive biases.
- The Flynn effect suggests rising IQ scores over the last century.
Historical Perspectives on Progress and Cultural Change
- Human history shows a trend towards increasing tolerance and liberal views.
- Public debates often reflect past idiocy, emphasizing the need for perspective.
- Information flow today vastly exceeds that of past decades, shaping societal norms.
The Evolution of Technology and Human Cognition
- Technology has significantly evolved to accommodate human visual processing abilities.
- Modern human brains are relatively recent, challenging previous assumptions about our evolution.
- The rise of technology alters how we interact with information and each other.
Optimism vs. Negativity in News and Society
- Society has a tendency to focus on negative news and perceptions.
- Despite challenges, historical trends show significant improvements in human welfare.
- The importance of optimism and realistic problem-solving in facing global issues.
Globalization's Impact on Poverty and Economic Improvement
- Globalization has significantly reduced extreme poverty worldwide over the past decades.
- Economic policies and flexibility contribute to improved living standards in developing countries.
- The debate around capitalism vs. socialism is increasingly polarized in academia.
Exploring Collective Intelligence and Societal Structures
- The discussion emphasizes the role of distributed intelligence in societal evolution.
- Competition and innovation drive technological advancements, as seen with capitalism's role.
- Intellectual tribalism affects academic discussions and public beliefs on various topics.
Exploring Tribal Loyalty and Beliefs in Society
- Tribal loyalty often overrides truth, influencing belief systems in society.
- Environmentalism has shifted from a right-wing to a left-wing cause over time.
- Political party alignments have changed, reflecting broader societal beliefs and ideologies.
The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Politics and Science
- Political tribalism hinders objective discussions on important issues.
- Evidence-based approaches are crucial for advancements in medicine and policing.
- The Enlightenment ideals of reason and humanism remain relevant today.
Exploring Violence Decline and Media Influence on Society
- Historical decline in violence challenges common narratives of doom and gloom.
- Social media amplifies negative events, impacting public perception and reactions.
- The allure of notoriety can drive individuals to commit violent acts for fame.
Media Integrity and Political Critique in Modern Journalism
- Discussion on the impact of media policies on public perception and behavior.
- Critique of the current state of journalism and its ethical standards.
- Examination of political rhetoric and its effects on democracy and media trust.
People Mentioned
Unnamed Speaker
Podcaster, Intellectual
Steven Pinker
Professor, Author
Deng Xiaoping
Chinese politician and reformer
Unnamed speaker
Clinical psychologist, Cognitive scientist
Rebecca Goldstein
Novelist, Philosopher
Books Mentioned
The Selfish Gene
Richard Dawkins
Enlightenment Now
Steven Pinker
Sense of Style
Steven Pinker
Enlightenment Book
Unnamed
Notable Quotes
"There's certain things kind discussable people alt-right discover feel tremendously empowered."
Discussing how the alt-right finds empowerment in taboo topics.
"Mean fair fair fair also recognizing differences."
Mentioning the importance of acknowledging differences in discussions about equality.
"Reputation really matter kind ego burnishing credentials."
Discussing the importance of reputation in social interactions.
"People truly kind truly generous value much kind amazing virtue admire."
On the societal admiration for genuine kindness.
"There's something mean problem also outraged mobs."
Discussion on the negativity stemming from social media interactions.