In the twenty-first century,humanity is reaching new heights of scientific understanding - and at the same time appears to be losing its mind. How can a species that discovered vaccines for Covid-19 in less than a year produce so much fake news,quack cures and conspiracy theorizing
In Rationality,Pinker rejects the cynical cliche that humans are simply an irrational species - cavemen out of time fatally cursed with biases,fallacies and illusions. After all,we discovered the laws of nature,lengthened and enriched our lives and set the benchmarks for rationality itself. Instead,he explains,we think in ways that suit the low-tech contexts in which we spend most of our lives,but fail to take advantage of the powerful tools of reasoning we have built up over millennia: logic,critical thinking,probability,causal inference,and decision-making under uncertainty. These tools are not a standard part of our educational curricula,and have never been presented clearly and entertainingly in a single book - until now.
Rationality matters. It leads to better choices in our lives and in the public sphere,and is the ultimate driver of social justice and moral progress. Brimming with insight and humour,Rationality will enlighten,inspire and empower.
Publisher: Penguin Books LtdISBN: 9780141989860Number of pages: 432Weight: 315 gDimensions: 198 x 129 x 24 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Steven Pinker is among the best science writers in history,and with Rationality he applies his talents to one of the most important and misunderstood human abilities - tracking reality with a brain that was designed to do so under some circumstances but not others. If you've ever considered taking drugs to make yourself smarter,read Rationality instead. It's cheaper,more entertaining,and more effective.'- Jonathan Haidt,NYU-Stern School of Business and author of The Righteous Mind
'Rationality is a terrific book,much-needed for our time. In addition to drawing together the tools for overcoming obstacles to rational thinking,Pinker breaks new ground with the evidence he provides linking rationality and moral progress.'- Peter Singer
A reader-friendly primer in better thinking through the cultivation of that rarest of rarities: a sound argument.'- Kirkus
Steven Pinker
Groundbreaking author of The Language Instinct,The Blank Slate and How The Mind Works,Steven Pinker emerged from the field of cognitive science to be recognised as one of the world's foremost and radical thinkers. Following his first five books exploring communication and the concept of language as an instinct,Pinker later diversified into human behaviour (The Better Angels of Our Nature) and the clarity of understanding (The Sense of Style).
Visit the Steven Pinker author page
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