1. The Blank Slate: Ch.8, 9, 13 Presented By: Edna Davoudi Greta Kent-Stoll

2. Fear of Inequality The three evils associated with the misconceptions of evolutionary theory. Prejudice Social Darwinism Eugenics

3. Prejudice If people are biologically different, it would be rational to discriminate against members of some groups.  We have a common human nature

4. Social Darwinism If differences come from innate constitutions, we can justify discrimination based on our differences.  Inborn differences are only one contribution to social success.

5. Eugenics If people differ biologically, we can intervene to select for certain characteristics.  We cannot actually breed for certain traits.

6. Fear of Imperfectibility Fears related to the discoveries made by evolutionary theorists.  Practical fear  Romantic viewpoint

7. Practical Fear If human nature cannot be changed, social reform is useless.  Innate desire is just one component of our mind.

8. Romantic Viewpoint What is natural is good.  Often, we must overcome our nature in order to be moral.

9. Fear of Imperfectibility Dangers associated with the blank slate.  Utopian communities

10. Utopian communities Human nature is in conflict with communism. Totalitarian regimes develop in order to control the citizens and force adherence to the ideals of the community.

11. Out of Our Depths The mismatch of our environment with our mind.  Challenges of formal education  Discrepancy between intuition and fact  Genetically modified foods  False fears and phobias

12. Out of Our Depths The impossible separation of mind and body.  Misconceptions of the soul  Cloning of genes  Limited capacity of the mind

13. Critical Review Strengths Discrimination is appropriate under specific circumstances. What is natural is not always good. Let’s eat genetically modified foods.

14. Critical Review Weaknesses Social oppression and racism limit opportunities to develop one’s talents. What exactly is human nature? Education is meant for more than to train the mind to deal with practical situations.

15. Thank you You were a great audience of TWO!!!