Add Quote by Steven Pinker
“The task of evolutionary psychology is not to weigh in on human nature, a task better left to others. It is to add the satisfying kind of insight that only science can provide: to connect what we know about human nature with the rest of our knowledge of how the world works, and to explain the largest number of facts with the smallest number of assumptions.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, Steven Pinker, 2011
Evolutionary psychology should link known human traits to broader scientific knowledge, explaining many facts with few assumptions.
In simple terms: Connect human nature to science.
Key Takeaway
Seek parsimonious explanations.
Themes
science
human nature
explanation
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
inquisitive
objective
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
evolution
interdisciplinary research
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions can be reduced?
- How does this view shape moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Risk of oversimplifying complex behaviors.
