Is Chomsky's Theory of Language Wrong? Pinker Weighs in on Debate
Critics have bashed linguist Noam Chomsky for more than 50 years, but his claim that language is innate endures
Stories by John Horgan
Thanksgiving and the Myth of Native American "Savages"
Prominent scientists exaggerate the violence of Native Americans, whom European invaders ravaged.
How to Resist an Unjust Regime Nonviolently
For decades, political scientist Gene Sharp has promoted nonviolent strategies for countering oppression
Donald Trump and the Problem of Evil
Can a psychedelic theology explain Trump’s ascendance?
Yes, Trump Is Scary, but Don't Lose Faith in Progress
In spite of occasional backward lurches, like Trump's election, humanity should keep getting healthier, wealthier, more peaceful and more free.
The Rise of Neo-Geocentrism
Prominent scientists are propagating new versions of the old idea that reality revolves around us
What Would a Machine as Smart as God Want?
The field of “scientific theology” ponders the ultimate purpose of mind
Was Philosopher Paul Feyerabend Really Science's "Worst Enemy"?
Feyerabend, who defended astrology and creationism, denied that he was antiscience
How Would AI Cover an AI Conference?
An artificial reporter might not take concerns about superintelligent, sentient machines very seriously
What Happens When a Skeptical Science Writer Meets a Cult Leader
Was the Spiritual Leader Andrew Cohen enlightened or a “Super-egomaniac”?
War Scholar Critiques New Study of Roots of Violence
Study contradicts claim that humans prior to civilization were “plagued by war.”
Was Civilization the Cure for Primordial Human Violence?
A new study challenges the popular claim that lethal violence declined after our ancestors settled down
My Doubts about Deepak Chopra and the Monetization of Meditation
Has the holistic-health mogul overstated the health benefits of meditation and other spiritual practices?
My Bunk-Bashing Diatribe at a Deepak Chopra Conference
A skeptical science writer critiques strings, multiverses, meditation, the Singularity and “neo-geocentrism.”
What a Science Writer Thinks about Catching a Ferry to Manhattan
An afternoon journey triggers ruminations on heat death, habituation and invisible gorillas
World's Smartest Physicist Thinks Science Can't Crack Consciousness
String theorist Edward Witten says consciousness “will remain a mystery”
Could Olympians Be Tweaking Their Genes?
“Gene doping” remains unlikely, but if scientists can safely boost athletic performance by manipulating genes, that should be cause for celebration
Squabbling Over the End of Science on Charlie Rose
A televised debate over the limits of science raised a legitimate objection to the claim that there will be no more “fundamental” discoveries
Turned off by Trump and Clinton? Vote for a Transhumanist for President!
Transhumanist candidate Zoltan Istvan urges spending less on war and more on the scientific quest to defeat death
How Hawkish Hillary Clinton Can Become Our Greatest President
Clinton should seek ways to end war, which devastates those she has worked so hard to help—children and women
