In this engaging discussion, cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, known for his insights on language and human nature, teams up with David Runciman, a political expert from Cambridge University. They explore the role of optimism in facing contemporary challenges, analyzing how Enlightenment ideals relate to modern society. The dialogue tackles the balance between optimism and pessimism, especially regarding climate change, stressing that acknowledging real issues can inspire solutions rather than despair. Tune in for a thought-provoking take on progress!
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insights INSIGHT
Optimism vs. Pessimism
A new societal division has emerged between optimists and pessimists.
This division seems amplified by the focus on data-driven progress assessments.
insights INSIGHT
Negativity Bias
Humans are hardwired to favor bad news over good news due to negativity bias.
This bias affects our perception of the world, even if things are improving.
insights INSIGHT
Fact-Based Society
A society fully aware of facts could be more constructive and proactive.
Even if not everyone adopts this mindset, elites with a reality-based view can drive positive change.
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In 'Enlightenment Now', Steven Pinker presents a comprehensive argument that the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—have been instrumental in the progress of human society. He challenges the prevailing pessimism in modern discourse by presenting empirical evidence that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise globally. Pinker uses data and graphs to illustrate improvements in various aspects of human life, such as increased life expectancy, reduced child and maternal mortality, and advancements in medicine and technology. He also addresses the psychological biases that lead people to underestimate these improvements and emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold Enlightenment ideals to ensure further progress.
An Inconvenient Truth
The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It
Al Gore
This book, released in conjunction with the film of the same name, presents a comprehensive look at global warming. It combines leading-edge research, photographs, charts, and personal anecdotes to document the rapid and widespread impacts of global warming. Gore explains the causes and effects of global warming in clear terms, highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate its detrimental consequences. The book is designed to be accessible and educational, using easy-to-grasp graphics and revealing before-and-after photos to illustrate the climate crisis[1][2][4].
Factfulness
Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
Hans Rosling
Ola Rosling
Anna Rosling Rönnlund
In 'Factfulness,' Hans Rosling, along with his son Ola and daughter-in-law Anna, addresses why people systematically get answers wrong about global trends. They identify ten instincts that distort our perspective, such as dividing the world into 'us' and 'them,' the influence of fear-driven media, and the misconception that most things are getting worse. The book argues that, despite its imperfections, the world is in a better state than many believe and provides a framework to see progress clearly by focusing on facts rather than biases.
The Future Human
The Future Human
Lee Harris
Regina Meredith
For this edition, Intelligence Squared revisits a compelling discussion from 2019 with one of the world's foremost cognitive psychologists, Steven Pinker, whose work often focuses on language, the mind, and human nature. He was joined in conversation by David Runciman, the academic and podcaster who teaches politics and history at Cambridge University, to discuss the themes of Pinker’s book, Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress. This is the first half of a two-part conversation. Join us for part two in the following episode.
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