The contributions of Robert Trivers belong in the special category of ideas that are obvious once they are explained, yet eluded great minds for ages; simple enough to be stated in a few words, yet with implications that have busied scientists for decades.
If there were a modern day Voltaire, or a 21st century Bertrand Russell, Steven Pinker would be it. So it is a tremendous honour for me to bring you an excerpt of Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters, by the man himself, in this week&
When we apply reason to reason itself, we find that it is not just an inarticulate gut impulse, a mysterious oracle that whispers truths into our ear.
The correct response to the cancellers is not simply to say that they should respect free speech. Rather, one must say to them that you are attacking people for stating things which are true, while you are stating things which are false.
Listen onSpotify Jonathan Kay presents highlights from this year’s Heterodox Academy conference, featuring Steven Pinker, Karith Foster, Jennifer Collins Bloomquist, Dan Mogulof, Lara Schwartz, Brandon Calhoun and Coleman Hughes.
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As Thomas Paine wrote, “To argue with someone who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.”
