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STEVEN PINKER: rational optimism in a complex world

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Jan 9, 2025

Guest

Steven Pinker

In this insightful conversation, cognitive psychologist and author Steven Pinker discusses humanity's current state of peace and progress. He argues that we live in the most peaceful era in history, despite common narratives of decline. Pinker delves into the impact of nuclear weapons on global stability and the ethical implications of advances in AI technology. He also touches on issues of mental health among teenagers and the quest for meaning in modern life, highlighting the importance of rational thinking in addressing societal challenges.

01:15:48

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insights

INSIGHT

Shifting from Peace

Humanity might be shifting towards less peaceful times, after a period of relative peace.
Recent wars in Ukraine and Gaza have increased war deaths, reversing some progress.

insights

INSIGHT

Nuclear Peace Hypothesis

Nuclear weapons may deter great power wars, but not smaller conflicts.
Countries often treat nuclear threats as bluffs, as seen with Hamas and Argentina.

insights

INSIGHT

Moral Progress and Homosexuality

Moral progress involves shifting from cultural norms and gut reactions to reasoned ethics.
Homosexuality's acceptance demonstrates this, as it causes no harm and is voluntary.

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Exploring Ethical Awareness: A Journey Through China

02:01 • 3min

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Navigating International Academia and Opportunities in Europe

04:31 • 2min

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Challenging Narratives of Progress

06:03 • 11min

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Moral Dilemmas and Societal Progress

16:34 • 28min

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AI's Role in Global Challenges

44:29 • 16min

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Mental Health and the Pursuit of Meaning

01:00:20 • 15min

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The better angels of our nature

Why Violence Has Declined

Steven Pinker

In this book, Steven Pinker presents a detailed argument that violence has significantly decreased over the course of human history. He uses extensive data and statistical analysis to demonstrate this decline in various domains, including military conflict, homicide, genocide, torture, and the treatment of children, homosexuals, animals, and racial and ethnic minorities. Pinker identifies four key human motivations – empathy, self-control, the moral sense, and reason – as the 'better angels' that have oriented humans away from violence and towards cooperation and altruism. He also discusses historical forces such as the rise of the state (which he terms 'Leviathan'), the spread of commerce, the growth of feminist values, and the expansion of cosmopolitanism, which have contributed to this decline in violence.

Enlightenment Now

Steven Pinker

In 'Enlightenment Now', Steven Pinker presents a comprehensive argument that the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—have been instrumental in the progress of human society. He challenges the prevailing pessimism in modern discourse by presenting empirical evidence that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise globally. Pinker uses data and graphs to illustrate improvements in various aspects of human life, such as increased life expectancy, reduced child and maternal mortality, and advancements in medicine and technology. He also addresses the psychological biases that lead people to underestimate these improvements and emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold Enlightenment ideals to ensure further progress.

The Anxious Generation

Jonathan Haidt

In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.

Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism

Angus Deaton

Anne Case

In this book, Anne Case and Angus Deaton explore the alarming rise in 'deaths of despair'—including suicides, drug overdoses, and alcoholism—among middle-aged white Americans. They argue that these deaths are linked to economic inequality, the weakening position of labor, the growing power of corporations, and a healthcare system that redistributes working-class wages to the wealthy. The authors provide a comprehensive historical, social, and economic analysis, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure that capitalism serves the broader population rather than just the elite.

The life you can save

How to Play Your Part in Ending World Poverty

Peter Singer

Peter Singer's "The Life You Can Save" is a compelling argument for effective altruism, urging readers to donate to charities that demonstrably alleviate suffering. Singer challenges conventional thinking about philanthropy, emphasizing the moral obligation to maximize the positive impact of our donations. The book presents a practical framework for identifying and supporting high-impact charities, focusing on cost-effectiveness and measurable results. Singer's work has sparked significant debate and inspired many to re-evaluate their charitable giving. The book's core message is that even small contributions can make a substantial difference in the lives of others.

The Point of View of the Universe

Henry Sidgwick

Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, linguist, and influential author, and professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. Pinker’s research spans psycholinguistics, visual cognition, and the science of human behaviour. He is a proponent of rationality, evidence-based thinking, and the application of evolutionary psychology to understand human nature. Pinker is frequently cited as one of the most influential thinkers of his time.

Peter & Kasia engage with Steven for a profound discussion revolving around the themes of global peace and progress in modern times. The conversation references Pinker's books, 'The Better Angels of Our Nature' (2011) and 'Enlightenment Now' (2018), which argue that humanity currently lives in the most peaceful era in history. Further topics include the role of nuclear weapons in maintaining global peace, and the moral and ethical implications of technological advancements like AI.

Learn more about Steven Pinker and read his books!

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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