In his latest book, cognitive scientist Steven Pinker delves into the nature of rationality and what it means for human beings. He argues that reason is not as scarce as we often think it is, and that it matters more than we realize. With insights from history, psychology, and philosophy, Pinker makes a compelling case for the importance of reason in our lives.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who are interested in the nature of rationality and its importance in human life. It offers insights from a variety of different fields, including history, psychology, and philosophy.
Pros :
- Pinker is a brilliant writer and thinker, and this book is engaging and informative.
- Rationality offers a fresh perspective on one of the most important aspects of human life.
- Pinker makes an articulate case for the value of reason, arguing convincingly that it is not as scarce as we might think.
Cons :
- It is dense and may be difficult for some readers to follow.
- It does not contain any new information or arguments that haven’t been made before.
- Pinker tends to come across as arrogant in his writing.
Learn more about the author
Steven Pinker is a cognitive scientist and one of the world’s foremost experts on language and mind. He has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, and his books have sold more than five million copies.
Reader Reviews
“This is a terrific book – clear, engaging, and deeply intelligent. Pinker makes a powerful case for the importance of reason in our lives, and he does so with wit and verve. A must-read for anyone interested in human cognition.”
“Pinker is one of those rare thinkers who can change your life – not just what you think, but how you live. If there was only one book I could recommend to make someone a better thinker and therefore a happier person, it would be this one.”
“Pinker is a cognitive scientist, and as such, he is interested in the nature of thought – how we think, why we think what we do, etc. In this book, he delves into the nature of rationality. What does it mean to be rational? Why do humans seem to be bad at being rational? And most importantly, why does rationality matter? Pinker makes a strong case for the importance of reason in our lives. He argues that reason allows us to solve problems effectively and efficiently; without it, society would crumble. He also notes that while humans are not always good at being rational (in fact sometimes we’re downright terrible), reason remains an invaluable tool nonetheless. This book was very insightful and well-written. I learned a lot about the nature of rationality and its importance in our lives.”
“This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the workings of human cognition. Pinker presents a clear and compelling case for the power and importance of reason, deftly weaving together insights from history, psychology, and philosophy. The result is an engaging exploration of one of humanity’s most prized traits.”
