#3877
Mentioned in 12 episodes
The Language Instinct
How the Mind Creates Language
Book • 1994
In this book, Steven Pinker argues that language is an innate human ability, produced by evolution to solve the problem of communication among social hunter-gatherers.
He explains how language works, how children learn it, how it changes, and how the brain computes it.
Pinker refutes common ideas such as the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis and the notion that language is a human invention.
He supports his argument with examples from linguistics, psychology, and popular culture, emphasizing that language is a specialized 'mental module' rather than a mark of advanced intelligence.
The book also includes updates on advances in the science of language since its initial publication.
He explains how language works, how children learn it, how it changes, and how the brain computes it.
Pinker refutes common ideas such as the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis and the notion that language is a human invention.
He supports his argument with examples from linguistics, psychology, and popular culture, emphasizing that language is a specialized 'mental module' rather than a mark of advanced intelligence.
The book also includes updates on advances in the science of language since its initial publication.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 12 episodes
Mentioned by 
Paul Bloom as a book on language instinct, illustrating the innate aspects of language acquisition.
Paul Bloom as a book on language instinct, illustrating the innate aspects of language acquisition.
33 snips
Paul Bloom on Psych, Psychology, and the Human Mind
Mentioned by Scott Young in the context of language acquisition and the innate human capacity for language learning.
Best of 2024: Scott Young | How to Get Better at Anything
Mentioned by David Pinsof , who initially disliked evolutionary psychology, coinciding with the book's release.
Controversies in Evolutionary Psychology
Mentioned by Philip Ball in relation to his book "The Music Instinct", contrasting Pinker's view of music as "auditory cheesecake."
Quantum Mechanics and the Quest for Final Knowledge (John Horgan & Philip Ball)
Mentioned by 
Dwarkesh Patel as a book he read, connecting its observations with the later discovery of the FOXP2 gene.
Dwarkesh Patel as a book he read, connecting its observations with the later discovery of the FOXP2 gene.
Dwarkesh Patel’s Quest to Learn Everything - Ep. 27
Mentioned by 
Ryan Holiday as one of 
Steven Pinker 's books, along with "Rationality", "The Language Instinct", and "The Blank Slate".
Ryan Holiday as one of Steven Pinker 's books, along with "Rationality", "The Language Instinct", and "The Blank Slate".
Steven Pinker on the Pursuit of Rationality | Never Wish Away A Minute of Your Life
