Aperture Book of the Month - May 2024

Although Steven Pinker is a somewhat controversial figure, his latest book, ‘Rationality’ is an erudite and entertaining canter through the concept and its significance to modern life and is Aperture’s Book of the Month for May 2024.

Pinker’s central argument is that human-kind is an essentially rational creature, albeit subject to flaws, bias, and motivated reasoning. Rationality is therefore not straightforward and depends on individual perspective and situation for its position.  The book explores the relationship between rationality and reason, logic, and statistical representation, as well as the critical difference between probability and propensity. It also explains causal inference and decision-making in uncertainty.

Pinker reminds us that ‘intelligence and expertise provide no immunity to cognitive infections’ and advocates an increased emphasis on critical thinking. If nothing else, it makes one think.