On June 2nd the American Strategy Program hosted a conversation with Professor George Lakoff, PH.D, premier linguist and cognitive scientist, in which he discussed his new book, The Political Mind: Why You Can't Understand 21st Century American Politics with an 18th Century Mind. Steven Clemons, Director of the American Strategy Program led discussion and Q&A for the event. An MP3 audio recording can be downloaded below, while video is available at right.

Dr. Lakoff of the University of California, Berkeley began by discussing the revolutionary understanding of brain function that the last thirty years of science has provided. New understandings of brain function prove that “old enlightenment” theories on humankinds reasoning capabilities are completely wrong. Dr. Lakoff explained the political implications of this new understanding. Progressive politicians tend to base their campaigns on appeals to reason rather than appeals to values and emotions; which is why progressives do not win votes.

Dr. Lakoff offered the audience insight into the inner workings of the human mind. He also discussed the importance of words, frames, and metaphors in connecting voters with policy. His discussion was followed by a lively Q&A.

-Faith Smith, American Strategy Intern