54 pages • 1 hour read
Steven PinkerThe Blank Slate
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In his nonfiction book The Blank Slate, Harvard-educated experimental psychologist Steven Pinker debunks the idea that the mind is a "blank slate," arguing that our brains are hardwired with universal attributes. He also discredits the concepts of the Noble Savage and the Ghost in the Machine, showing that cognitive science supports intrinsic human nature and innate cognitive faculties, while proposing conscious choices to overcome our predispositions. The book addresses sensitive topics such as violence and genetics.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker has garnered attention for its compelling argument against the tabula rasa notion of human nature. Positive reviews commend Pinker's thorough research, clear writing style, and insightful integration of biology and psychology. Critics, however, point out perceived oversimplifications and potential biases in his interpretation of data. Overall, the book is praised for its thought-provoking content despite some controversial stances.
Who Should Read The Blank Slate?
Readers who relish thought-provoking exploration in psychology and human nature will enjoy The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker. Fans of Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene or Daniel Dennett's Darwin's Dangerous Idea will find Pinker's arguments on nature vs. nurture equally compelling and intellectually stimulating.