UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

Steven Pinker: Questions that shouldn't be asked

15 snips
Oct 6, 2025
Renowned cognitive psychologist and Harvard professor Steven Pinker dives into his latest book, exploring common knowledge's influence on society. He discusses the tension between cancel culture and academic inquiry and the risks of avoiding taboo topics. Pinker critiques the impact of social media on public discourse and considers the decline of democracy. He also examines populist leaders who gain popularity by challenging societal norms. Despite these concerns, he ends on a cautiously optimistic note, emphasizing the need for active engagement to foster progress.
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INSIGHT

Common Knowledge Creates Social Reality

  • Common knowledge is when everyone knows something and knows that others know it, enabling large-scale coordination.
  • Conspicuous public events can instantly generate common knowledge and create social realities.
INSIGHT

Private Bonds Depend On Public Recognition

  • Informal relationships like friendship depend on mutual common knowledge rather than contracts.
  • Contradictory public signals can explode social rituals like politeness or euphemism.
INSIGHT

Norms Live Or Die In Public View

  • Social norms are sustained by common knowledge rather than law.
  • Public flouting of a norm can dissolve it by changing what everyone expects others to do.
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