![]() ![]() ![]() Among these tools are systems of logic, probability and empirical reasoning. Among other things, Rationality is also a response to these critics, a reaffirmation of critical thinking against the encroachments of critical theory.Īs he writes: “Fashionable academic movements like postmodernism… hold that reason, truth and objectivity are social constructions that justify the privilege of dominant groups.” Pinker’s line is that while we may never definitely establish objective truth, objective truth nonetheless exists, and our best means of getting closest to it is through rational understanding.īut what does rationality actually mean? Essentially, it amounts to a set of rules and tools that help us to eliminate bias, bigotries, phobias, superstitions and what Pinker calls the “cognitive illusions” that stand between us and our clearest perception of reality. That book stirred plenty of controversy, and the affable Pinker has become an increasingly disparaged figure by those who see him as a white male product, and defender, of the scientific establishment. ![]()
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