Enlightenment and the Righteous Mind | Steven Pinker and Jonathan Haidt | EP 198

Rational Progress: Navigating the Complexities of Enlightenment with Steven Pinker and Jonathan Haidt

In this thought-provoking episode, renowned scholars Steven Pinker and Jonathan Haidt engage in a deep dive into the Enlightenment's influence on modern society, its intersection with moral psychology, and the challenges of integrating this era's ideals with contemporary issues. Steven Pinker, a celebrated psychologist and author, is known for his advocacy for the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, science, and humanism. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, explores how moral foundations theory and differing political perspectives shape society.

Core Concepts and Philosophies:

1. Enlightenment Rationality: - Pinker champions the Enlightenment's commitment to reason and science as tools to improve human well-being and progress. He argues that societal advancements are often unrecognized due to media focus on negative events, which skews public perception.
2. Moral Psychology: - Haidt discusses how innate moral intuitions influence cultural and political divisions, suggesting that understanding these psychological underpinnings is crucial for navigating modern societal conflicts.
3. Integration of Reason and Moral Sentiment: - Both guests explore the potential for harmonizing Enlightenment rationalism with the intuitive moral thinking that guides much of human behavior, aiming for a balanced approach that respects both empirical truth and human emotional needs.

Practical Strategies and Advice:

• Critical Consumption of Media: - Be skeptical of media narratives that may emphasize negative incidents over positive trends or developments.
• Education on Psychological Biases: - Increase public awareness and education about innate psychological biases, such as the availability heuristic, which can distort our perception of reality.
• Fostering Dialogue Across Divides: - Encourage open dialogue between individuals with differing political and moral views to foster mutual understanding and reduce polarization.

Supporting Evidence:

• Pinker references empirical data suggesting improvements in global living standards, which contrasts with the typically grim portrayals in popular media.
• Haidt discusses moral psychology research that explains why people are divided by politics and religion, highlighting the impact of innate moral intuitions on social and cultural conflicts.

Personal Application:

Both Pinker and Haidt incorporate these principles into their professional work and public engagements, advocating for an empirically informed yet compassionate approach to addressing social issues and conflicts.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques:

• Engagement with Diverse Thought: - Encourage reading and engaging with a broad range of philosophical and contemporary socio-political thought to better understand different perspectives and the roots of societal conflicts.
• Use of Mediation and Conflict Resolution Practices: - Apply mediation techniques that focus on empathy and understanding differing values to resolve disputes and reduce polarization in social and professional settings.

In conclusion, this episode serves as a compelling exploration of how Enlightenment principles can be effectively integrated with insights from moral psychology to address the complexities of modern life. Pinker and Haidt offer a nuanced view that appreciates the benefits of rational thought while acknowledging the profound influence of innate moral instincts on human behavior.