#1755

Mentioned in 24 episodes

How the Mind Works

Book • 1999

In this book, Steven Pinker delves into the workings of the human mind, addressing questions such as why we are rational yet often irrational, how we perceive the world, and the origins of emotions, social interactions, and higher cognitive functions.

Pinker synthesizes insights from cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and other fields to explain how the mind evolved to solve the problems faced by our ancestors.

He discusses topics like vision, emotion, social behavior, and the mysteries of consciousness, arguing for a computational theory of mind and an adaptationist approach to evolution.

Mentioned by

Richard Dawkins

MICHAEL SHERMER

Mentioned in 24 episodes

Mentioned by

Rob Henderson

to illustrate the idea that women often prioritize high-status men, even if it means sharing them.

#929 - Rob Henderson - The Psychology Of What Women Want

Mentioned by

Jonah Goldberg

as one of the twelve books written by

Steven Pinker

.

You Know That I Know | Interview: Steven Pinker

Mentioned by

Steven Pinker

as an example of one of his "big books that are kind of theories of everything".

Steven Pinker: Outsmarting an Irrational World : 1333

Mentioned by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, comparing fiction to cheesecake in his book "How the Mind Works."

The psychology of fiction with Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Mentioned by

Vasant Dhar

, referencing Pinker's point that the brain is configured to be useful.

Ep 432: Vasant Dhar's Lifetime in Artificial Intelligence

Mentioned by

Richard Dawkins

as a segue into discussing evolutionary psychology.

Can We Still Be Optimistic About the Future? | A Conversation with Steven Pinker

Mentioned by

Steven Pinker

when explaining why he wrote 'The Blank Slate'.

Episode 144, Steven Pinker x Richard Dawkins: Live in London (Part I - The Future of Humanity)

Mentioned by

MICHAEL SHERMER

when introducing

Steven Pinker

and listing some of his notable books.

The Power of Common Knowledge: Steven Pinker on Language, Norms, and Punishment

Mentioned by

Rob Henderson

when discussing human nature and cognitive abilities.

E129: Dark Triad, Romantic Partner Selection, and Dating Advice w/ Rob Henderson

Mentioned by

Liron Shapira

as one of the best books ever and telling a lot about How the Mind Works.

Top Professor Condemns AGI Development: “It’s Frankly Evil” — Geoffrey Miller

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