Steven Pinker -Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters

1 Oxford Street,Cambridge MA 02138

07 February, 2023

Description

“And as excellent as our cognitive systems are, in the modern world we must know when to discount them and turn our reasoning over to instruments—the tools of logic, probability, and critical thinking that extend our powers of reason beyond what nature gave us. Because in the twenty-first century, when we think by the seat of our pants, every correction can make things worse, and can send our democracy into a graveyard spiral.” -- Steven Pinker, Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It MattersInternationally renowned writer and intellectual Steven Pinker brings to the stage a thought-provoking talk, based on his most recent book Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters. The event, organized by the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard & MIT and facilitated by Dr. Narath Carlile, will be followed by a Q&A discussion with the audience. Steven Pinker is currently the Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. He conducts research on language, cognition, and social relations, writes for publications such as the New York Times, Time, and The Atlantic, and is the author of twelve books. https://stevenpinker.com The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard and MIT is dedicated to building an inclusive community of atheists, agnostics, and allies at Harvard, MIT, and beyond: they are creating a new model for how humanists celebrate life, promote reason and compassion, and better the world for all. https://www.humanistchaplaincy.org Dr. Narath Carlile, MD MPH is a physician and clinical informaticist in Boston, and the Founder / CEO of MakeTimeFlow, a platform for human flourishing. Everyone is welcome. This is a free but ticketed event - advance registration via Eventbrite is required.