Steven Pinker on Thomas Sowell

In this episode, Steven Pinker discusses his admiration for Thomas Sowell's intelligence and extensive knowledge, highlighting Sowell's fearlessness in addressing taboo subjects and his profound impact on the intellectual landscape. Pinker delves into Sowell's concept of trade-offs and the need to consider the broader implications of our choices, using examples such as the Apollo program and world hunger. They also explore the challenges faced by public intellectuals, the role of culture in shaping group differences, and the necessity of the welfare state in affluent democracies.