The Public Intellectual: A Conversation with Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker is a cognitive scientist and the author of nine books written for a general audience. Prolific in his writing and media appearances, he is among the most prominent public intellectuals to have emerged from Canada. 

But what impact does a lifetime communicating with the public have on an academic? How is writing for a general audience different to writing for an academic one? And what role should the public intellectual play in today’s information age?

Kate speaks with Steven in his office at Harvard University.

 

Recommended further reading on public intellectualism:

 

https://universityaffairs.ca/features/the-rise-of-public-scholarship/

https://universityaffairs.ca/opinion/academia-needs-public-academics/

https://universityaffairs.ca/opinion/canadian-journalism-is-in-deep-trouble-academics-can-help/