How Common Knowledge Shapes the World, with Steven Pinker

Описание: Why do we need to know that other people know we know? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice dive into human psychology and how common knowledge is the invisible glue holding civilization together with cognitive scientist and author of When Everyone Knows What Everyone Knows, Steven Pinker.

How do we know we know that other people know we know? We start with the biological roots of social coordination: does money only have value because we all agree it does? How do common knowledge generators, like eye contact and public ceremonies, differ from private information? Steven explains the two-way duplicity of weasel words and innuendo, revealing the logic behind benign hypocrisy. Why do we say "Netflix and chill" instead of being direct? Discover the game theory behind saving face, the necessity of plausible deniability in society, and how a psychologist bribes a waiter.

We discuss the evolutionary purpose of blushing, laughter, and tears. We revisit Charles Darwin’s work on facial expressions as a tool against scientific racism, proving our shared ancestry through the universal language of emotion. We take a look at the Emperor’s New Clothes effect in modern politics and economics. From bank runs and the 1970s toilet paper shortage to the contest of crypto and primary elections, find out how common knowledge can trigger speculative bubbles and why breaking social norms can permanently shatter the common expectation of civility. Could spreading civil norms be the ultimate fix for a polarized society?

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Steven Pinker
04:10 - Why Common Knowledge Matters
09:45 - Relationships, Weasel Worlds, & Plausible Deniability
17:30 - Why Cultures Differ From Eachother
20:37 - Why We Show Our Emotions
30:29 - When People Don’t Know That Everyone Knows
34:30 - Why Humor is Important
39:17 - Bank Runs, Toilet Paper, & Speculative Bubbles
44:37 - Violating the Social Contract
49:22 - Spreading Better Social Norms
51:47 - A Cosmic Perspective

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