Harvard author Steven Pinker appears on podcast linked to scientific racism (Aporia)

[Eugene]

Source: The Guardian

Harvard author Steven Pinker appears on podcast linked to scientific racism

Psychologist and writer’s appearance on Aporia condemned for helping to normalise ‘dangerous, discredited ideas’

Jason Wilson
Sat 7 Jun 2025 13.00 BST
Last modified on Sat 7 Jun 2025 13.01 BST

The Harvard psychologist and bestselling author Steven Pinker appeared on the podcast of Aporia, an outlet whose owners advocate for a revival of race science and have spoken of seeking “legitimation by association” by platforming more mainstream figures.

The appearance underlines past incidents in which Pinker has encountered criticism for his association with advocates of so-called “human biodiversity”, which other academics have called a “rebranding” of racial genetic essentialism and scientific racism.

Pinker’s appearance marks another milestone in the efforts of many in Silicon Valley and rightwing media and at the fringes of science to rehabilitate previously discredited models of a biologically determined racial hierarchy.

Patrik Hermansson, a researcher at UK anti-racism non-profit Hope Not Hate, said that Pinker’s “decision to appear on Aporia, a far-right platform for scientific racism, provides an invaluable service to an extremist outlet by legitimising its content and attracting new followers”.

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Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jun/07/harvard-steven-pinker-aporia-podcast

[spooky3]

1. He is also viewed by many as a sexist.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskFeminists/comments/a5dlla/steven_pinker_academic_sexist_suggestions_for/