New Humanism

NYT columnmist David Brooks argues that many of our failures in the realm of public policy can be traced back to our overly simplistic view of the world. Citing research in cognitive science, Brooks writes:

We have a prevailing view in our society -- not only in the policy world, but in many spheres -- that we are divided creatures. Reason, which is trustworthy, is separate from the emotions, which are suspect. Society progresses to the extent that reason can suppress the passions.

This has created a distortion in our culture. We emphasize things that are rational and conscious and are inarticulate about the processes down below.

Read the column here. Brooks' new humanism is outlined in his new book, "The Social Animal." Thomas Nagel's review (and critque of Brooks' theory) is here.

(Thanks to C2C Grant Meyer for forwarding)