20 episodes

Delve deep into the labyrinth of the human mind with Professor Steven Pinker as he demystifies the complexities of the human condition using the tools offered by cognitive psychology. Steven is a world-renowned Cognitive Psychologist, Linguist and Professor who has taught at Harvard, MIT & Stanford Universities, and has made it to Time Magazines’ 100 Most Influential People in the World Today. Calling Professor Pinker a Titan in his field would definitely be an understatement!
In this 20 chapter Videobook series, watch Professor Pinker hand you the key that will open your mind to the inner workings of the human psyche. Buckle up for a mind-bending journey into evolutionary psychology, the language of the brain and more..

The Life Of The Mind This Is 42

    • Science

Delve deep into the labyrinth of the human mind with Professor Steven Pinker as he demystifies the complexities of the human condition using the tools offered by cognitive psychology. Steven is a world-renowned Cognitive Psychologist, Linguist and Professor who has taught at Harvard, MIT & Stanford Universities, and has made it to Time Magazines’ 100 Most Influential People in the World Today. Calling Professor Pinker a Titan in his field would definitely be an understatement!
In this 20 chapter Videobook series, watch Professor Pinker hand you the key that will open your mind to the inner workings of the human psyche. Buckle up for a mind-bending journey into evolutionary psychology, the language of the brain and more..

    Enlightenment Now (S1 EP20)

    Enlightenment Now (S1 EP20)

    In his latest and last episode of the series, Steven Pinker discusses his magisterial book, Enlightenment Now.
    According to Steven, humanism, reason, and science—the three pillars of enlightenment, has historically fueled enormous advancement in virtually every facet of life and are our best hope for sustaining it in the future.

    • 8 min
    The History of Violence: From the Stone Age to the Present Day (S1 EP19)

    The History of Violence: From the Stone Age to the Present Day (S1 EP19)

    On the latest episode of ‘The Life Of The Mind’, Steven walks you through the evolution of violence and how its trajectory has changed over the past two millennia. 

    Steven also delves into good and bad aspects of human nature while also looking at how civil and societal progress have impacted the prevalence of violence.

    • 10 min
    Why Do We Deny The Existence of Human Nature? (S1 EP18)

    Why Do We Deny The Existence of Human Nature? (S1 EP18)

    On the latest episode of ‘The Life Of The Mind’, Steven discusses his most controversial book, The Blank Slate, the fabric of which is human nature's moral, political and emotional colorings.

    He also touches on the numerous aspects of human nature including fear, morality, and finding meaning in life.

    • 11 min
    Nature Vs. Nurture: What’s more impactful (S1 EP17)

    Nature Vs. Nurture: What’s more impactful (S1 EP17)

    Since the Ancient Greeks discussed the origins of personality traits, the great debate of Nature vs. Nurture has been at the forefront of psychological debate. 

    In this episode, Steven discusses how genetics influences a person's personality and make-up as he debunks the fallacy that nurture has a greater influence on how we act.

    • 10 min
    What Makes Music So Universal? (S1 EP16)

    What Makes Music So Universal? (S1 EP16)

    Steven Pinker explains the incredible role of music in cultures around the world in his latest episode, providing substantial evidence to say that music is the labyrinth that connects us all.

    • 4 min
    What Evolution Reveals About Human Behavior (S1 EP15)

    What Evolution Reveals About Human Behavior (S1 EP15)

    Needless to say that evolution is responsible for all of our physical and psychological characteristics. 
    In this episode, Steven delves into evolutionary psychology, the study of behavior, thought, and emotion viewed through the lens of evolutionary biology.
    He talks about our own adaptabilities throughout evolution as well as how human behaviors are influenced by physical and psychological predispositions that helped human ancestors survive and reproduce.

    • 12 min

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