Friday, December 19, 2014

Reason and Moral Progress


Rebecca Newberger GoldsteinSteven PinkerReason is the tool of the Philosopher. It is also what makes most of society happen. To ignore it is to still be subject to it. 


 In the following animated TED video, watch as psychologist Steven Pinker is gradually, brilliantly persuaded by philosopher Rebecca Newberger Goldstein that reason is actually the key driver of human moral progress, even if its effect sometimes takes generations to unfold.

Curiously, the arguments that Goldstein uses are reminiscent of Aquinas, C.S. Lewis, and Plantinga (All theists, by the way.  You'll see what I mean...).

The dialog was recorded live at TED, and animated, in incredible, often hilarious, detail by Cognitive.

Click Here for the TED Talk