Steven Pinker and Rebecca Newberger Goldstein: The long reach of reason

Summary

In a thought-provoking dialogue, Rebecca Newberger Goldstein and Steven Pinker explore the power of reason in shaping moral progress. They discuss the decline of reason in popular culture and politics, yet argue that reason, combined with empathy and community, has historically driven humanity towards more humane practices. Pinker highlights the expansion of empathy circles and the influence of thinkers like Locke and Bentham, whose reasoned arguments against slavery and animal cruelty have permeated society. Goldstein emphasizes reason's role in identifying and rectifying inconsistencies in moral values, suggesting that our descendants may view some current practices with the same abhorrence we reserve for past atrocities.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The script discusses the perceived decline of reason in society and its impact on culture, politics, and academia.
• 🤔 Steven Pinker challenges the notion that reason is overrated, suggesting that it has contributed to negative outcomes like environmental damage and war.
• 🗣️ Rebecca Newberger Goldstein argues that reason is essential and that attempts to discredit it inherently rely on its power to persuade.
• 🔍 The conversation explores whether reason can lead to moral outcomes, with Goldstein asserting that it requires certain conditions, such as self-interest and community.
• 🌐 Pinker highlights historical progress towards humanity, suggesting that our capacity for empathy has expanded over time.
• 🧠 Goldstein emphasizes that reason has the power to expand empathy and challenge practices that are inconsistent with our values.
• 📚 Historical examples are given where reasoned arguments have led to significant societal changes, such as the abolition of slavery and cruel punishments.
• 🤝 Goldstein points out that movements for rights often build upon each other, using similar logical arguments to expand freedom and equality.
• 🕊️ Pinker acknowledges the role of reason in moral progress, suggesting it is one of our 'better angels' that has contributed to a more humane society.
• 🚫 The speakers contemplate current practices that may be seen as morally indefensible in the future, such as animal cruelty and the war on drugs.
• 🙏 They conclude by reflecting on the potential of reason to continue driving moral progress and the importance of recognizing its value.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the conversation between Rebecca Newberger Goldstein and Steven Pinker?

The main theme of the conversation is the role of reason in moral progress and whether it has contributed positively to humanity's evolution towards more humane practices.

According to Steven Pinker, what are some examples of how society has become less barbaric over time?

Steven Pinker cites examples such as the cessation of burning cats alive for entertainment, the reduction of violence between knights and the treatment of peasants, the end of frivolous and cruel executions, and the abandonment of slavery.

What does Rebecca Newberger Goldstein argue about the effectiveness of reasoned arguments?

Rebecca Newberger Goldstein argues that reasoned arguments are potent and effective because by attempting to persuade through reason, one inherently acknowledges its power.

How does Pinker suggest that reason could potentially lead to immoral outcomes?

Pinker suggests that reason, being a tool, can be used to justify both peaceful and harmful actions depending on the desires and passions of the reasoner.

What are the two conditions Rebecca Newberger Goldstein believes are necessary for reason to be effective?

The two conditions are that reasoners must care about their own well-being and that they are part of a community of reasoners who can influence each other's well-being and understand each other's reasoning.

What is the role of empathy in moral progress according to Steven Pinker?

Pinker explains that empathy plays a significant role in moral progress as it allows us to expand our circle of compassion beyond our immediate family and community to potentially all of humanity.

How does Rebecca Newberger Goldstein view the relationship between reason and moral progress?

Goldstein views reason as a powerful force for moral progress, arguing that it provides the logical framework to challenge and change indefensible practices.

What historical examples do the speakers provide to illustrate the impact of reason on ending cruel practices?

The speakers mention the abolition of slavery, the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments, and the movement against war as examples where reasoned arguments led to significant societal changes.

Why does Rebecca Newberger Goldstein believe that reason can help to widen the circle of empathy?

Goldstein believes that reason can expose the logical inconsistencies in how we treat different groups of people, thereby pushing us to extend empathy and fairness more broadly.

What does Steven Pinker suggest about the role of reason in the Civil Rights Movement and other rights movements?

Pinker suggests that the logic and arguments used in the Civil Rights Movement inspired other rights movements, such as those for women's, children's, and gay rights, highlighting the power of reason to drive moral progress.

What are some current practices that the speakers speculate future generations might look back on with appall?

The speakers suggest that future generations might be appalled by practices such as the mistreatment of animals in factory farms, the imprisonment of nonviolent drug offenders, the toleration of rape in prisons, insufficient donations to life-saving charities, and the possession of nuclear weapons.

What is the final point made by Steven Pinker about the role of reason in moral progress?

Pinker concludes that reason is a 'better angel' that has been instrumental in the moral progress of humanity and holds the greatest hope for future moral advancements.