Houston Daily

The University of Houston has announced that Steven Pinker, a well-known cognitive scientist and author, will deliver the 2025 Farfel Lecture. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, at Cullen Performance Hall on the university’s campus.

Pinker holds the position of Johnstone Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. He is recognized as a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and was named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People.” His lecture will focus on how “common knowledge” influences money, power, relationships, and society by exploring the underlying logic behind cooperation, conflict, and human behavior.

Heidi Appel, dean of the Honors College at UH, said: “The Farfel Lecture series reflects UH’s commitment to engage bold thinkers and present ideas that are shaping the future of knowledge, society and culture. Steven Pinker’s work exemplifies the power of research and reasoning to illuminate the human experience and help us better understand one another.”

Pinker’s appearance comes as he releases his latest book titled “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life.” In this book, he examines how shared awareness—knowing what others know—affects social relationships in areas such as viral outrage, diplomacy, financial crises, and personal interactions.

In an interview with the Harvard Gazette regarding common knowledge, Pinker explained: “‘So if common knowledge is so essential to human affairs, how do we do it without our heads exploding? The answer is that we have a conceptual metaphor or an image that captures the idea without going through layers upon layers of mentalizing,’ Pinker explained in a recent interview with the Harvard Gazette. ‘“It’s out there” is the best everyday-language equivalent to common knowledge that I know of. Also “It was in your face.” Or “the elephant in the room,” for common knowledge that we publicly deny.’”

The Farfel Lecture Series began in 1969 to honor individuals who contribute to positive change. It also recognizes Aaron Farfel—a longtime regent whose support has influenced UH. Past speakers include David McCullough, Walter Isaacson, James D. Watson, Stephen Jay Gould, Raymond Kurzweil, and J. Craig Venter.

For more information about attending or registering for free tickets to this event at Cullen Performance Hall (4300 University Drive), visit the official site.