The Hidden Logic of Common Knowledge - Psychology, Language, and Social Norms

Explore the fascinating psychology of common knowledge and its role in human civilization through this World Science Festival conversation between physicist Brian Greene and Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker. Delve into how humans understand each other, cooperate, and build societies by examining the invisible rules and shared understanding that make civilization possible. Discover the evolution of language, starting with Daniel Dor's concept of "instructing the imagination" and examining the debate between Pinker and Chomsky on where language and thought diverge. Learn about the hidden logic behind social norms, why we laugh and cry as emotional signals, and what happens when these norms break down in modern politics. Investigate the architecture of communication and how we exchange ideas, including the metaphors that drive civilization forward. Examine the fragility of collective truth in our digital age, addressing challenges like misinformation and institutional bias. Compare artificial intelligence with human intelligence, exploring consciousness, language, and the limits of machines while considering what AI reveals about the human mind and whether we can ever truly test for consciousness.