Pinker & The Hobbesian Trap
Created By: boatsie
Last Modified: 01/06/06
Summary: a nation is tempted to attack a neighbor out of fear that it would otherwise attack first, like an armed homeowner who surprises an armed burglar, tempting each to shoot first to avoid being shot.Link: 1651: Leviathan; Thomas Hobbes
Summary: transcript
Link: Tackling Pinker's Blank Slate
Summary: In-depth analysis of such theories as tabula rasa, the ghost in the box ...
Link: Wikipedia: Steven Pinker
Summary: Extensive background on Pinker and his significant role in the field of evolutionary psychology.
Link: Steven Pinker on Politics and Violence: Powerpoint Presentation
Summary: Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker is a pioneer in the field of evolutionary psychology, most recently the author of The Blank Slate.
Pinker Posits:
Hobbesian trap results from:
- Concern with security
- Alliances with other groups against perceived enemy
- Arms races
Examples: Street gangs, Mafia, World War I, 6 day Israeli War, Cold War, Iraqi Insurgency, terrorist organizataions
