Full talk available at: www.thesciencenetwork.org “The Science Reader” —– The Stuff of Thought Language as a Window Into Human Nature with psychologist Steven Pinker September 10, 2008 Run Time: 1 hours 02 minutes Filmed at Warwick’s in La Jolla, California. In The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature, Pinker explores how the mind works by examining the way we use words. By looking closely at everyday speech, he paints a vivid picture of the thoughts and emotions that populate our mental lives. Steven Pinker is Harvard College Professor and Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. Until 2003, he taught in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. He conducts research on language and cognition, writes for publications such as the New York Times, Time, and Slate, and is the author of seven books…
Video Rating: 4 / 5
@BELIALNEW That’s just group behaviour. It’s everybody saying: “look… I’m getting it… I’m part of the group, the in-crowd”. Some people in groups also try to ‘out-laugh’ each other by sheer volume.
It’s a mostly subconscious – but conditioned – reaction to other people. Like nodding or saying “hm hm” every once in while when someone speaks.
I catch myself doing it too at times.
Laughing is acknowledgement most of the time. And sometimes it’s a real expression to something genuinely funny.
I bet Steven took up studying this shit to just be able to say these words out loud to a group of people, without getting crucified or bludgeoned to death.
I would… it’s such fun.
I watched this video to try to figure out why I never feel comfortable using the f-word (except by myself)… since the word requires a negative or strong emotional response from someone, I guess it goes with my habit of never feeling justified in imposing on someone. In short, I’m a huge pushover and have no confidence in myself.
I wish those stupid women in the crowd would quit giggling at every fucking word he says like little fucking kids so I can actually pat attention.
My favorite part of these two videos is “I come home to my fucking house after three fucking years in the fucking war, and what do I fucking-well find? My wife in bed, engaging in illicit sexual relations with a male!” Fucking hilarious!
of all the videos that contain swearing on youtube, this is probably the most ‘appropriate’ due to studying the topic than for the purpose of expression….yet it’s still very funny.
i think i want to be a swearing pathologist. how fun that would be.
THIS IS really great. I was going to say FUCKING AWESOME but it just doesn’t seem … fucking… appropriate. Fuck.
oh ok i was being a fucking idiot, there’s a part 2. doh.
i think Tom Waits steals from this guy, iam going to
great video, thanks! love The Pinker
He said “doo-doo” heehee!
i love this guy.. you can’t tell if he’s a comedian here or an intellectual talk
just listening to Mr Pinker makes me feel smarter
I like kiss the cunt of a crow better
this is the only video lecture i have ever sat down and watched out of pure interest
bravo
This is the most hilarious yet most interesting talk I’ve ever seen.
*THIS* is really, really fucking brilliant!
haa!
Thank you for sharing this.
LOL
Where the fuck is the rest of it?
If you cant say ‘cunt’ how are you meant to drive?
fuck…..that is all. and if you dont agree? go kiss the cunt of a cow.
Using “of” to mean “off” is a swear word to me. You pushed my emotional button, bitch.