Main content

26/09/2010

How monkeys can teach us more about human irrationality plus Pulitzer Prize winning writer Marilynne Robinson.

Human beings have got impressively large brains - so why are we still irrational? Professor of Psychology, Laurie Santos, tells us why her work with monkeys can offer us some important pointers about ourselves.

Pulitzer Prize winning writer Marilynne Robinson argues that human nature is fundamentally generous spirited. We’re not pre-programmed to be selfish, as some schools of science might have us think.

Philosopher Roman Frigg wants scientists to allow him and his philosophical colleagues into their laboratories in order to get them to think differently.
But what could scientists gain from this philosophical perspective?

Is it irrational to introduce altruistic philosophers and Kapuchin monkeys into the laboratory? Illustration by Emily Kasriel.

Available now

55 minutes

Last on

Sun 26 Sep 2010 08:05GMT

Chapters

  • Laurie Santos

    Irrational decision making has an evolutionary basis.

    Duration: 17:42

  • SIXTY SECOND IDEA TO CHANGE THE WORLD

    Roman Frigg on choosing how to spend your ‘Break The Routine Day’.

    Duration: 04:42

  • Marilynne Robinson

    Why selflessness is key to making society work better.

    Duration: 14:53

  • Roman Frigg

    How scientists could have a great deal to gain from philosophy.

    Duration: 08:07

Broadcast

  • Sun 26 Sep 2010 08:05GMT

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

We’d love to hear your views on charm and charisma for a future Forum.

Podcast