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.

World-renowned cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker discusses why smart people believe stupid things, the psychology of conspiracy theories, the challenges to democracy and enlightenment values, the moral panic around AI, and more in a conversation that challenges prevalent pessimism with data-driven optimism.

Matt Ridley, an author and journalist, and Steven Pinker, a cognitive psychologist, join Michael Shermer, a science historian, to debunk popular misconceptions around key issues. They tackle the societal impacts of COVID-19, contrasting Sweden's approach with authoritarian measures. The trio dives into the complexities of DEI initiatives, the historical context of global conflicts, and the dual role of genetics in economics. Finally, they share an uplifting perspective on artificial intelligence, asserting its potential to enhance, rather than diminish, human capabilities.

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. 

This compilation showcases clips surrounding Rule 1 from Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life: “Do not carelessly denigrate social institutions or creative achievement.” These conversations feature the likes of Steven Pinker, Theo Von, Jonathan Haidt, Ben Shapiro, and more. We hope you enjoy part 2/14 of this compilation series!—Chapters—[0:00] Rule 1: Beyond Order[2:46] The Rubin Report: An Emotional Return [9:09] Juliette Fogra, Illustrator [16:51] Identity Building, Chaos, & Impact Theory[19:04] Ben Shapiro’s Sunday Special[23:29] This Past Weekend with Theo Von[38:30] The Tim Ferriss Show: Psychedelics & The Bible[42:32] Andrew Doyle Speaks Out[49:12] Steven Pinker & Jonathan Haidt On the Enlightenment [54:08] How to Start the Most Controversial Magazine on the Planet[01:03:58] Cambridge Q&A 

This episode was recorded on June 6th, 2021. Dr Peterson, Steven Pinker, and Jonathan Haidt sit down to discuss truth, how societies function, utopias, the role of religion, & more. Steven Pinker is a psychology professor at Harvard. He's the author of Enlightenment Now and The Blank Slate. His 12th book, "Rationality," is out now. Dr. Pinker has received many awards and often writes for The Guardian and The NY Times. Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist at NYU Stern. His research focuses on the intuitive foundations of morality across cultures. He's the author of The Righteous Mind and The Coddling of the American Mind. His next book, "Three Stories about Capitalism," is expected by 2022. Follow Steven's Twitter:https://twitter.com/sapinker Read Steven Pinker's book:https://stevenpinker.com/publications/rationality-what-it-why-it-seems-so-scarce-and-why-it-matters Find more Jonathan Haidt here:https://www.thecoddling.com/ Read Jonathan's book:https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224919 Jonathan's most recent essay:https://www.persuasion.community/p/haidt-monomania-is-illiberal-and____[0:00] Intro[00:18] Jordan introduces guests Dr. Stephen Pinker and Dr. Jonathan Haidt[02:47] Catching up with the recent research and endeavors of Jonathan Haidt. Elaborating on the framework of moralism versus true and false when viewing the world[07:00] How cognitive biases lead to a more pessimistic view of the world[10:30] The problems with the idea of utopia and its beneficial uses when properly inserted into a society's belief (religious) structure[18:00] Examining the role group religions play in bringing people together[24:30] Jordan highlights the role he believes Christianity had in turning people's attention to the evil within us all[29:30] Reflections on Enlightenment Now. How do you engage people towards a higher set of goals without religion as a backbone?[38:00] Is the world we live in a new frontier based on the expanding influence of the internet and social media on individuals' decision-making?[48:00] Discussion on the dangers posed by the new world to the endurance of liberal democracies[56:00] Finding truth in the post-2012 social media revolution[1:06:00] The rate of change in modern life[1:07:00] The Righteous Mind, Haidt's interpretation of the religious instinct/impulse and why he gets a positive reaction from religious crowds[1:06:00] Saying goodbye to Dr. Pinker due to time constraints[1:17:30] The human ability for imitation through learning or exploring[1:25:30] Religion as a social function? Or an inherent impulse inside us all to find higher states?[1:29:30] Comparing views on the central uniting principle of groups, societies, or human beings for that matter[1:33:00] Is the extreme claim that power is the central driving factor of western European civilization grounded in reality?[1:37:52] Is having a common purpose or shared beliefs a more powerful way of bringing people together?[1:45:00] Recounting Haidt's research on disgust in both humans and animals[1:52:00] Exploring any correlation to disgust levels and political beliefs/alliance[02:02:30] Wrapping up 

By cataloging the steady march of human progress, the Harvard psychologist and linguist has become a very public intellectual. But the self-declared “polite Canadian” has managed to enrage people on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Steve Levitt tries to understand why.

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.

Debate between Mearsheimer and Pinker on Enlightenment ideals and moral progress. Impact of reason, individualism, and tribalism on society. Challenges of state violence, multiculturalism, and minority rights. Liberalism's role in managing disagreements for progress. Quest for human flourishing and balancing individualism in a global context.

Steven Pinker is a Cognitive Psychologist at Harvard University, a psycholinguist and a Best Selling Author.It would be nice to always make the right decision. To escape the prison of human emotions and biases and operate from a purely rational place. Steven's new book breaks down rationality into it's components in an attempt to understand just what we're all missing from our mental makeup.Expect to learn why betting websites are the most accurate forecasters of the future, why learning lists of cognitive biases won't always make you more effective, whether smart people are more or less rational on average, whether politics makes you dumber, how to balance rationality with a desire to be intuitive and present and much more...Sponsors:Join the Modern Wisdom Community to connect with me & other listeners - https://modernwisdom.locals.com/Get 10% discount on your first month from BetterHelp at https://betterhelp.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied)Get a Free Sample Pack of all LMNT Flavours at https://www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied)Extra Stuff:Buy Rationality - https://amzn.to/3qtQ84X Follow Steven on Twitter - https://twitter.com/sapinker Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom-Get in touch.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillxTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillxYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcastEmail: https://chriswillx.com/contact/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices