“When rationality is deployed in service of maximising human wellbeing, that is what can drive progress”

Awarded the 15th BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Humanities, Steven Pinker reflects in this interview on how scientific knowledge, reason, and humanism shed light on the progress of contemporary societies. Drawing on his work in cognitive psychology and linguistics, he analyzes the forces that drive cooperation, the decline of violence, and cultural advancement, as well as the challenges that persist in the digital age. His perspective invites reflection on how data, ideas, and rationality can contribute to a more just, evidence-based future.

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Humanities and Social Sciences is shared by Steven Pinker (Harvard University) and Peter Singer (Princeton University) in recognition of their innovative academic contributions in the spheres of rationality and the moral domain, respectively, which have entered the mainstream of public debate.