Science, data, and logic serve as powerful tools in formulating ideas and solving problems. But our capacity for rational thought has not always gone hand in hand with a universal ability to think and behave sensibly. At a time when our species has doubled its lifespan, sequenced our own genome, and developed vaccines within the space of a year, it has also produced massive amounts of disinformation, quack cures, conspiracy theories, and “post-truth” rhetoric. What’s happened to our ability to think critically? Is an opinion based on human gut feeling really the same thing as one based on logic and fact?
Steven Pinker is a professor of Psychology at Harvard University and author of “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters.” Photo by Rose Lincoln
Jonathan Bastian talks with Steven Pinker, professor of Psychology at Harvard University and author of “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters” about the role of rationality in a “post truth” world, and the value of our critical thinking tools when it comes to our beliefs and personal choice.
Book cover “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters”