Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker is a cognitive psychologist, linguist, and popular science author. He is known for his advocacy of evolutionary psychology and the computational theory of mind. Pinker has written several books that discuss language, the human mind, and human nature, including 'The Language Instinct', 'How the Mind Works', 'The Blank Slate', and 'Enlightenment Now'. He is a professor at Harvard University and has been named one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Enlightenment Now

    The book presents a comprehensive case for optimism in the modern era, arguing that humanity has made significant progress in various aspects such as health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness, largely due to the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, humanism, and progress. The author challenges the pervasive sense of pessimism in contemporary discourse and defends the scientific mindset and rational thinking as the driving forces behind improvements in human well-being. By analyzing a wealth of data and trends, the book encourages readers to appreciate the progress achieved and to continue embracing the Enlightenment principles to address current challenges and further advance the human condition.

  2. 2. The Blank Slate

    "The Blank Slate" challenges the conventional belief that human behavior is largely shaped by the environment and experience, arguing instead that genetics play a significant role. The book delves into the controversies surrounding this concept, exploring the implications it has on politics, violence, child-rearing, and the arts. It also argues that acknowledging our innate traits can lead to a more humane society, as it would allow for a better understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and individual differences.