The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins
What Evolution Really Tells Us About Life | A Conversation with Steven Pinker
Feb 27, 2025
In a captivating discussion, Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive psychologist and popular science author, joins Richard Dawkins to unravel the intricacies of evolution. They explore the impact of natural selection versus outdated theories like Lamarckism, shedding light on misconceptions about animal behavior and human consciousness. Pinker also delves into color perception and his intriguing concept of a 'genetic book of the dead.' The conversation touches on the ethics of de-extinction and the interplay between religion and science, challenging societal beliefs and fostering deeper understanding.
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Quick takeaways
- Dawkins and Pinker's discussion emphasizes the historical rivalry in evolutionary biology, particularly contrasting gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.
- The podcast explores the interplay between genetic influences and environmental contexts, highlighting the complexities of behavior and sociocultural factors.
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Upcoming Book Tour Announced
The discussion highlights an upcoming tour across North America and parts of Western Europe, where the speaker will promote their latest book, 'The Genetic Book of the Dead, A Darwinian Reverie.' This book is intended for a similar audience as the earlier work, 'The Selfish Gene,' but presents distinctly different content. The tour will include various cities, such as Dallas, Washington, and London, and will feature interactive Q&A sessions and meet and greets for attendees. Tickets for these events can be purchased at richarddawkinstour.com.
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