STEVEN PINKER: rational optimism in a complex world

This episode of "Lives Well Lived" features Steven Pinker, a cognitive psychologist, discussing his views on the long-term trends of human progress, particularly regarding violence and well-being. The hosts and Pinker debate whether the recent uptick in war deaths invalidates his previous arguments about a historical decline in violence, touching upon the role of nuclear deterrence and the complexities of causal inference in assessing societal trends. Pinker emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning over emotional responses to current events, citing data showing improvements in various aspects of human life despite negative media portrayals. He also discusses the impact of technology on mental health and the challenges of addressing climate change through technological advancements and policy changes. The conversation concludes with reflections on the role of emotions in a well-lived life and the potential of AI to augment human reasoning and problem-solving.