Steven Pinker and Rebecca Newberger Goldstein: The long reach of reason

Here's a TED first: an animated Socratic dialog! In a time when irrationality seems to rule both politics and culture, has reasoned thinking finally lost its power? Watch as psychologist Steven Pinker is gradually, brilliantly persuaded by philosopher Rebecca Newberger Goldstein that reason is actually the key driver of human moral progress, even if its effect sometimes takes generations to unfold. The dialog was recorded live at TED, and animated, in incredible, often hilarious, detail by Cognitive.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.

[Phlebas]

I just learned that these two are married.

What a couple!

[TimBorny]

I keep coming back to this one time and time again. I can't understand how something that so effectively encapsulates some of our collective best thoughts on strident moral issues could have so few views.

[SCWoodbury]

Something tells me I should have watched this before I started drinking tonight.

[srimansrini]

Good idea and the presentation is very neat and simple. Lots of good reasons available to watch this talk, I find no reason why somebody commented it's a leftist propaganda. I don't think it has any kind of sectarian view. By and large, it gives unbiased views. Highly recommended. 

[secondjoint]

One of the best vids from TED!!!! An excellent summary of the moral issues from past to present, and how to overcome them.

[hychilloutman]

"How could a reasoned argument logically entail the ineffectiveness of reasoned arguments? You show up for that debate and you've already lost it." Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am! 

[WalterHassell]

5:25 "I'm all for empathy, I mean who isn't, but -" *kettle laughs*
PAUL BLOOM

[drmanhattan]

Pinker's nose redness needs to be toned down a little. Thats ridiculous.

[EmperorsNewWardrobe]

14:46 "I have become convinced that reason is the better angel that deserves the greatest credit for the moral progress our species has enjoyed and that holds out the greatest hope for continuing moral progress in the future".

...has anyone read his book, The Better Angels of Our Nature: A History of Violence and Humanity? Is this the central premise that runs throughout?

[Bombtrack]

We need more Socratic TED talks like this one.

[Somegak]

Haven't been so thoroughly entertained in a long time.

[HowardFarranDDS]

I thoroughly enjoyed this TED Talk "The long reach of reason" which is perfect to watch when thinking about my dentaltown column this month “Howard Speaks - Ethical Dilemma - a Series Kickoff. Thank you so much for taking my mind out for a run. Howard Farran DDS, MBA

[MostlyLoveOfMusic]

a very well-crafted and empathetically considered video - many congrats

[sageyash]

Reason and empathy aren't 2 different things, they both work together.
There was no argument to be made in the first place.

[footballunleashed]

Use critical thinking, logic, rational thought and above EVERY SINGLE

[SCWoodbury]

When you look back at human history and the progress that has been made, and when you look at future challenges such as climate change, it appears to me that humanity's great accomplishment is saving itself from itself. Now what does that say about our species?

[MRayner]

Excellent. I'd love to see more animated dialogs like this.

[MrMehawk]

I'm sorry but the dialogue sounds so fake that I can barely listen to it without cringing. There is no natural pronunciation, it all sounds like they are reading off a script and a dialogue in audio form should never sound like that. It's okay if  "The dialog was recorded live at TED" but that doesn't really excuse that it all sounds like robots talking. Both talkers also come across as incredibly arrogant, even though I know both are probably very humble and willing to communicate ideas. >.< So yes, I am complaining that an animated project like this deserves better voice acting.

[muralla]

This video needs a Spanish translation or subtitles, I would like too much if I could send it to all my friends here in Venezuela.

[BeverScience]

As much fun as this was, I think I would have rather seen them speak.