60 pages • 2 hours read
Steven PinkerHow The Mind Works
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1997A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
How The Mind Works by Steven Pinker is a 1997 non-fiction book that explores the development and functions of the human mind, including everyday activities like talking and making friends, through the lens of cognitive neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and computational theory. Pinker explains basic brain processes before delving into complex concepts such as emotions, intelligence, and consciousness, ultimately reflecting on human traits like art and humor and their evolutionary purposes.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Steven Pinker's How The Mind Works combines cognitive science and evolutionary psychology, offering an engaging and accessible examination of human thought processes. Readers praise its insightful and thought-provoking arguments. However, some critics note dense sections and controversial evolutionary perspectives. Overall, it's a compelling read for those curious about the mind.
Who Should Read How The Mind Works?
Readers who relish exploring cognitive science, psychology, and evolutionary theory will find Steven Pinker's How the Mind Works captivating. Fans of Daniel Dennett's Consciousness Explained and Richard Dawkins's The Selfish Gene are likely to appreciate Pinker's insightful and engaging prose.