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The Surprising Decline in Violence

The Surprising Decline in Violence1. What myth about violence is happening today?
2. What does Pinker argue about violence?
3. How do the homicide rates or deaths in warfare from the past compare to today?
4. Why do you think that people believe that society is more violent today?
5. Why do you think violence has declined?

1. Myth: The belief that violence is increasing, when evidence shows a surprising decline.2. Pinker argues that violence has decreased over time, contrary to popular perception.3. Homicide rates and deaths in warfare today are lower than in the past.4. Media portrayal may contribute to the misconception that society is more violent today.5. Factors like increased communication, education, and governance have contributed to the decline in violence.Here are responses to your questions based on Pinker's arguments:Myth about Violence Today:Pinker argues that a common myth about violence today is the belief that the world is becoming more dangerous and violent.Despite the prominence of news coverage on violent events, he contends that overall rates of violence have actually declined over the course of human history.Pinker's Argument about Violence:Pinker's central argument is that violence has declined over time and across various scales, including interpersonal violence, homicide rates, and deaths in warfare.He attributes this decline to the development of civilization, the establishment of centralized governments, the spread of commerce and trade, the influence of Enlightenment ideas, and the growth of empathy and reason.Comparison of Homicide Rates or Deaths in Warfare:Pinker presents data showing that in the past, homicide rates were much higher than they are today.Similarly, deaths in warfare, when adjusted for population size, have decreased significantly compared to historical periods such as the two World Wars or ancient conflicts.Perception of Increased Violence:Pinker suggests that people may believe society is more violent today due to the availability and accessibility of news.Media coverage tends to focus on dramatic and violent events, creating a perception that violence is more prevalent than it actually is.Reasons for the Decline in Violence:Pinker attributes the decline in violence to several interconnected factors.These include the rise of states with a monopoly on the use of force, the development of legal systems, the expansion of trade and commerce fostering cooperation, the influence of Enlightenment ideas promoting reason and empathy, and the overall civilizing process that has led to more peaceful societies.It's worth noting that Pinker's ideas and data interpretations are subject to debate, and not all scholars agree with his perspective on the decline of violence.However, his work has sparked discussions on the historical trends of violence and the factors contributing to its decline....

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