“So much depends on our theory of human nature,” said psychologist Steven Pinker. “We use our conceptions of human nature to manage our relationships, to control our own behavior, and guide our policies in law and government.” But what is human nature?

In formulating his own understanding of human nature, Pinker rejects three popular conceptions and proposes his own framework based on recent scientific conclusions.

AEI researcher and resident skeptic Will Baird joins the podcast to discuss Pinker’s ideas and how they might lead us to important social or political conclusions.

This lecture was originally delivered in October 2002.

Listen to the full lecture here.