How the Mind Works
by Steven Pinker
Pinker's synthesis of computational theory of mind and evolutionary psychology: perception, reasoning, emotion, family, sex and art as adaptations. Long, witty and foundational, with claims that remain debated.
Read it if…
you want the big evolutionary-psychology picture of the mind.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want practical psychology.
Try instead: The Blank Slate →
Three things you will actually use
- The mind is a system of organs of computation.
- Emotions are adaptations.
- Understanding origins does not dictate ethics.
Do this first
Read the chapter on emotions.
Our verdict
Foundational and debated.
See the book →
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