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>what constitutes "enlightenment values" I think Pinker defines these as science, reason and humanism. Couldn't agree with you more about the importance of cri
by truculation 9y ago
>what constitutes "enlightenment values"
I think Pinker defines these as science, reason and humanism. Couldn't agree with you more about the importance of criticism. Perhaps the most important feature of the enlightenment was in establishing a tradition of criticism. This is the engine of progress, which, as David Deutsch points out, is kind of the opposite of how most traditions work (they keep things the same).
- bobthechef 9y agoScholars have commented that Pinker hasn't the slightest idea of what "the Enlightenment" was and ultimately makes it stand for everything and anything that happens to suit him. Thus it would seem that he isn't exactly the best person to consult about the topic. Aaronson is also out of his depth, but I've come to expect that. He's obnoxiously over-opinionated, loves attention (I had the displeasure of seeing his juvenile antics at a conference) and frankly, his opinions are rather puerile and whiny.
- psyc 9y agoHave you considered maybe it's the critics who don't have a clear idea of what the enlightenment entails, or perhaps have a reason to pretend they don't? Are you sure it's Pinker who doesn't know to what he's referring?