Honestly with Bari Weiss

Steven Pinker: Why Smart People Believe Stupid Things

Jun 18, 2024

In this engaging conversation, Steven Pinker, a prominent cognitive psychologist and author, unpacks why even intelligent people can fall for misinformation. He explores the psychology of belief systems, the evolution of human thought, and the impact of conspiracy theories. Pinker discusses the clash between Enlightenment ideals and modern authoritarianism, as well as the dual-edged nature of technology in society. He emphasizes the need for balanced media portrayals and the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook amidst contemporary challenges.

41:45

Episode guests

Steven Pinker

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Smart people can believe stupid things due to psychology of conspiracy theories.

Steven Pinker dismisses doomsday scenarios about AI, emphasizing human control over AI goals.

Deep dives

Steven Pinker's Work on Cognition and Social Behavior

Steven Pinker, a prominent public intellectual in America, is known for his research on cognition, language, and social behavior. His data-driven optimism stands out amidst prevalent pessimistic narratives. Pinker's authored books, including 'Enlightenment Now,' shed light on the working of the human mind.

Minorities and Misunderstandings: The Targets of Conspiracy Theories

01:35

Intelligence and Dominance

01:19

Perception vs. Reality of Misinformation

01:31

Intro

2min

The Psychology Behind Believing Misinformation

3min

Belief Evolution and Misinformation

14min

Enlightenment Ideals and Modern Challenges

9min

Navigating Technological Dilemmas

12min

Media Influence on Perception and the Importance of Probability

4min

Steven Pinker is a world-renowned cognitive psychologist, and is widely regarded as one of the most important public intellectuals of our time. His work delves into the complexities of cognition, language, and social behavior, and his research offers a window into the fundamental workings of the human mind.

Pinker, who is the author of nine books including Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress and Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters, approaches his work with a kind of data-driven optimism about the world that has set him apart from the chorus of doomer voices we hear so much from in our public discourse.

Today, we talk to Pinker about why smart people believe stupid things, the psychology of conspiracy theories, free speech and academic freedom, why democracy and enlightenment values are contrary to human nature, the moral panic around AI, and much more.

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Honestly with Bari Weiss

Steven Pinker: Why Smart People Believe Stupid Things

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Steven Pinker's Work on Cognition and Social Behavior

Psychology of Belief and Conspiracy Theories

Persistent Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories

Debunking AI Doomsday Scenarios

Minorities and Misunderstandings: The Targets of Conspiracy Theories

Intelligence and Dominance

Perception vs. Reality of Misinformation

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts