The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature

Steven Pinker examines human nature and its moral, emotional, and political nuances in The Blank Slate. By adopting three related dogmas—the Blank Slate (the mind has no innate traits), the Noble Savage (people are good and corrupted by society), and the Ghost in the Machine (each of us has a soul that makes choices free from biology)—he demonstrates how many intellectuals have denied the existence of human nature. Since every ideology has a moral component, those who support it have resorted to extreme measures to undermine the credibility of the scientists who are now opposing it.

By demonstrating that equality, progress, accountability, and purpose have nothing to fear from revelations about a rich human nature, Pinker brings calm and reason to these discussions. He uses reason, common sense, and relevant historical and scientific facts to neutralize even the most dangerous foes.

He contends that even while the Blank Slate idea was widely accepted by academics during the majority of the 20th century, it could have had unintended negative effects. It twists our perceptions of the government, violence, parenting, the arts, and our shared humanity and individual preferences, substituting feel-good slogans for sober assessments of societal issues.

Pinker demonstrates how, far from being harmful, an acceptance of human nature based on reason and science may enhance the understanding of the human condition gained by centuries of artists and thinkers. All of this is written with the same humor, clarity, and insight into both big and little issues that brought him several awards and international recognition for his earlier works.