The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature

(Paperback)

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What is the truth about human nature Are we each born a blank slate upon which experience is written Steven Pinker argues that our usual explanations of human behaviour - stated most clearly in the human sciences of psychology, ethics and politics - tend to deny what is now undeniable: the role of an inherited human nature. Differences in personality or achievement, whether seen among races, ethnic groups, sexes or individuals, are routinely explained away as due not to differences in innate constitution but differences in experience. This work argues otherwise.

Reviews

A passionate defence of the enduring power of human nature ... both life-affirming and deeply satisfying -- Tim Lott * Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year *
Brilliant ... enjoyable, informative, clear, humane * New Scientist *
If you think the nature-nurture debate has been resolved, you are wrong ... this book is required reading * Literary Review *
An original and vital contribution to science and also a rattling good read -- Matt Ridley * Sunday Telegraph *

Author Bio

Steven Pinker is the best selling author of THE LANGUAGE INSTINCT and HOW THE MIND WORKS. He is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at MIT.