The Blank Slate

Authors: Steven Pinker

Key Ideas

1. The Blank Slate argues against the theory that all human behavior is solely a product of cultural and social influences. It suggests that humans have innate biological and genetic predispositions that contribute to their behavior.

2. Pinker criticizes the concept of the 'blank slate,' which asserts that individuals are born with no inherent traits or tendencies. He argues that this idea ignores evidence from genetics, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology.

3. The book explores the complex interplay between nature and nurture, highlighting that both factors contribute to human behavior. P....
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Quiz

1. Which theory does Steven Pinker argue against in The Blank Slate?

The theory of a 'tabula rasa' or blank slate

The theory of genetic determinism

The theory of natural selection

The theory of cultural determinism

2. What does Pinker argue is an oversimplification when attributing behavior to either nature or nurture?

Behavior is solely determined by nature

Behavior is solely determined by nurture

Both nature and nurture contribute to behavior

Behavior is primarily determined by cultural factors

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