First published 2003
What if our thoughts and behaviors aren't shaped solely by environment? In "The Blank Slate," renowned scientist Steven Pinker challenges the dogma that the human mind is a tabula rasa. Blending history, psychology, and biology, Pinker illuminates how our individual preferences, moral views, and political leanings are rooted in our shared evolutionary heritage. Injecting reason into heated debates, he reveals how denying our basic natures distorts our understanding of society, art, and the human condition. Pinker's lucid, witty exploration celebrates the rich diversity - and common threads - that make us who we are.
Genres: science, psychology, social-science, non-fiction, biology, academic
Vibes: informative, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic-expert, challenging-dogma
560 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books