The Veritas Forum
Can we engineer a perfect world? | Tyler VanderWeele & Steven Pinker
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.
39:21
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Quick takeaways
- Reason and science alone cannot guarantee progress; we should not put blind faith in them.
- Humanism, by pursuing meaning, personal development, and relationships, plays a vital role in advancing well-being.
Deep dives
The Role of Reason and Science in Achieving Progress
Reason and science are crucial for advancing society. Advances in reason and science have led to an extraordinary progression in knowledge and have contributed to trends like increased longevity, literacy, and declines in violence. However, it is important to recognize that the human person is free and can use knowledge for wrong purposes. We should not put blind faith in reason and science or neglect the limitations of human nature. Reason and science alone cannot guarantee progress.
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