240 - Steven Pinker - Enlightenment Now

In his book Enlightenment Now, Pinker makes the case that Enlightenment principles of reason, science and humanism are directly enhancing the quality of life for everyone—not just the West. However, a number of Anti-Enlightenment practices threaten the progress of human development. According to Pinker, dedication to romantic ideologies, political affiliations and religions have protected unscientific arguments, preventing resolutions on issues ranging from gun violence to climate change. 

We talk with cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker about this and more in his recent book Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress.

This talk was recorded live on stage with the Commonwealth Club (Video of the event).

Links:

The Guardian Review

Pinker on the Joe Rogan podcast

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241 - Kai-Fu Lee - China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

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238 - Richard Harris - How Sloppy Science Creates Worthless Cures, Crushes Hope, and Wastes Billions