Why Does Steven Pinker Call Himself a Liberal Despite Criticizing the Blank Slate?

Steven Pinker, a renowned psychologist and cognitive scientist, has earned a reputation as a prominent voice in both academic and public spheres. However, his classification as a liberal while critiquing the concept of the blank slate has sparked considerable debate. Critics often question whether Pinker’s stance on the blank slate undermines his liberal advocacy. This article aims to explore these arguments and clarify the nuanced relationship between Pinker’s science and his liberal political views.

Understanding the Blank Slate

The concept of the blank slate, also known as tabula rasa, posits that individuals are born without innate ideas or inherited tendencies, and that their minds are like “white paper, void of all characters.” This idea, often attributed to John Locke, has been a cornerstone in Western thought. However, Pinker argues that this belief is flawed and provides an alternative view on human nature that aligns more with modern scientific understanding.

Pinker’s Critique and Liberal Stance

Despite his critique of the blank slate, Pinker maintains his liberal stance for several reasons. He argues that his intellectual journey is driven by an adherence to empirical evidence and scientific inquiry, which suggest that human nature has innate traits and behaviors. This is not a rejection of liberalism, but rather an embrace of a liberal interpretation that is rooted in the understanding of human biology and cognitive science.

The Misconception: Blank Slate and Liberalism

One of the main sources of confusion arises from the belief that the blank slate is foundational to Western liberalism. Critics often cite Locke as a centrist figure in liberal thought and mistakenly assume that rejecting the blank slate negates one’s liberal identity. However, this misconception overlooks the complex evolution of liberal thought and the separation of modern scientific understanding from traditional philosophical notions.

The Evolution of Liberalism

Liberalism, as a political philosophy, primarily focuses on freedom from governmental oppression and the protection of inalienable rights. The notion of a blank slate is more closely tied to Enlightenment thought and its emphasis on human malleability and the potential for social engineering. The path to modern liberalism, as advocated by thinkers like Locke, actually begins with the rejection of the tabula rasa idea. Locke repudiated the notion of a blank slate to argue for individual liberty and the limits of state authority.

Surrounding Context

Steven Pinker’s critique of the blank slate is not an affront to liberalism but rather a reflection of the scientific progress made since Locke’s time. Pinker’s work is grounded in empirical evidence and subsequent research, which has shown that certain behaviors and thought patterns are indeed innate to human beings. This scientific approach allows Pinker to remain a liberal while challenging outdated philosophical assumptions.

Conclusion

Steven Pinker’s liberal identity is a testament to the enduring dynamism and flexibility of liberal thought. His critique of the blank slate notwithstanding, Pinker’s adherence to science and evidence underpins a broader and more inclusive understanding of human nature. The debate surrounding Pinker’s stance is part of a much larger discussion about the relationship between science, philosophy, and political ideology. Ultimately, the continuity of Pinker’s liberal views lies in his commitment to reasoning and evidence-based inquiry, rather than the specific philosophical frameworks of the past.