Tag: psychology

Enlightenment Now: Steven Pinker Does It Again

By Michael Anderson

I’ve been a fan of Steven Pinker since 1994 when I came across his book The Language Instinct. I have read everything he’s written since then, with my favorite being The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature. His newest book is Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress — and as usual he blows me away with his intellect, wit, and distinctive writing style.

Continue reading

The Brain As Expectation Machine: Understanding Placebos, False Memories, and More

BY NATHAN CURLAND

I was first introduced to Erik Vance when he was interviewed about his book by Steve Mirsky on a “Science Talk” podcast on Scientific American Online in November. That interview motivated me to borrow a volume from the library. It is quite a find.

Continue reading