Steven Pinker

In this insightful discussion, Steven Pinker, a Harvard Professor and renowned author, delves into the intricacies of effective writing. He addresses 'The Curse of Knowledge,' emphasizing the need to simplify language for broader audience connection. Pinker also reflects on the value of childhood perspectives in enhancing creativity and humor. Furthermore, he explores the impact of AI on writing, contrasting human creativity with AI's structured outputs, and urges writers to embrace clarity and brevity in their craft.

Physicist David Deutsch and psychologist Steven Pinker engage in their first public dialogue, discussing AGI, P(Doom), and enemies of progress. They explore topics like the misconceptions of AGI, programming goals in AI systems, intuition on human disablement, assigning probabilities to subjective feelings, prediction markets, cognitive hygiene, stock market information, children's cognitive development, secrecy in research, and the slowdown in scientific progress.

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.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Pinker, a renowned Harvard psychologist and best-selling author, tackles the challenges facing academic freedom and free speech at Harvard. He explores the impact of political pressures on universities and emphasizes the importance of independent scholarly governance. Pinker also shares his admiration for Richard Dawkins and discusses the role of secularism in moral progress. He introduces concepts from his upcoming book, shedding light on how 'common knowledge' influences societal dynamics. A thought-provoking conversation on education's future!

In this insightful conversation, cognitive psychologist and author Steven Pinker discusses humanity's current state of peace and progress. He argues that we live in the most peaceful era in history, despite common narratives of decline. Pinker delves into the impact of nuclear weapons on global stability and the ethical implications of advances in AI technology. He also touches on issues of mental health among teenagers and the quest for meaning in modern life, highlighting the importance of rational thinking in addressing societal challenges.

Join cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, known for his best-selling works on human nature, and author Matt Ridley, famous for his optimistic take on progress, as they tackle essential topics. They discuss the lessons from COVID-19 and the importance of data-driven public health decisions. The conversation delves into the debates surrounding DEI in academia, the dynamics of human behavior influenced by genetics, and the optimistic potential of artificial intelligence to enhance human rationality and innovation.

Steven Pinker is a professor at Harvard and before that was a professor at MIT. He is the author of many books, several of which have had a big impact on the way I see the world for the better. In particular, The Better Angels of Our Nature and Enlightenment Now have instilled in me a sense of optimism grounded in data, science, and reason. Video version is available on YouTube. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. 

In this engaging discussion, Steven Pinker, an esteemed Harvard psychologist, and Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist from NYU Stern, delve into the complexities of morality, truth, and society's evolution. They explore how moralism shapes political ideologies and warn against the perils of utopian thinking. The conversation highlights the decline of traditional religion and its impact on contemporary activism, while also addressing the challenges posed by social media on mental health and democratic discourse. Their insights shed light on how narratives shape cultural values and behaviors.

In a captivating discussion, Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist, interviews cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker. They explore the evolution of humanity, diving deep into language, culture, and cognition's roles in our development. Topics include societal progress and public perception, highlighting cognitive biases that often skew our understanding. They also address the controversial idea of nature’s rights and how political beliefs shape our grasp of information. Optimism for the future, especially driven by technology and AI, rounds out their insightful dialogue.

Join psychologist Steven Pinker, renowned for his insights on language and human nature, in a captivating discussion with biologist Richard Dawkins. They tackle the generational shifts in religious beliefs and the ethical implications of AI on society. Dive into the evolving standards of animal welfare and the intriguing future of synthetic meat. The duo engages in thought-provoking Q&A, contemplating AI consciousness and the potential impacts on human evolution. A lively exchange that brilliantly connects the past, present, and future of humanity!