Reflections on the Blank Slate

Nature vs Nurture. Everyone seems to agree that the issue is dead and buried, yet the debate continues. Recently John Dupre gave a short talk on the subject followed by a Q & A. It was held at the Live Theatre in Newcastle. Dupre is Professor of Philosophy of Science and Head of Sociology at the University of Exeter.

Author and journalist, Matt Ridley was the host of a public discussion with author Steven Pinker as part of the University of Newcastle's public lecture programme. Pinker is Professor of Psychology at MIT.

Professor Pinker especially, has pushed the debate into the mainstream with his recent book 'The Blank Slate'. In it he argues that there are many myths operating in society that can be traced directly to a subtle but fervent belief in three discredited notions. He calls these a belief in the "Blank Slate", the "Noble Savage" and the "Ghost in the Machine". This website is as good an introduction as any which may pursuade you to read further.