The Veritas Forum Can we engineer a perfect world? | Tyler VanderWeele & Steven Pinker
17 snips
Nov 2, 2023 
In this podcast, Harvard professors Tyler VanderWeele and Steven Pinker discuss their beliefs on progress, human potential, and the role of faith in human flourishing. They explore the trends of humanity towards dystopia or utopia and the importance of hope. The speakers also discuss the contrasting views on human nature and the importance of reason, understanding, and restoration. They delve into the concept of progress and human flourishing, cautioning against the idea of achieving utopia or perfection. Additionally, they explore the interpretation of the word 'gospel' in the Christian faith and the potential dangers of excessive reliance on reason and science. Finally, they highlight the common ground between humanism and Christianity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, rights, and teachings of love and unity.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Introduction
00:00 • 2min
Hope in Humanity and the Tendency Towards Utopia or Dystopia
02:15 • 3min
Contrasting Views on Human Nature and the Importance of Reason
05:34 • 2min
The Concept of Progress and Human Flourishing
07:10 • 22min
Interpreting the Meaning of 'Gospel' and Discussing Reason, Science, and Humanism
29:13 • 2min
The Intersection of Humanism and Christianity
31:09 • 8min