Critical Thinking and the arch of civilization

The impact of advancing Critical Thinking on our larger culture is not often reflected upon but there is substantial evidence that as logic and reason are refined and promoted widely in a culture human rights, equity, and social justice grow as well.  Check out this animated discussion on the topic:

Steven Pinker and Rebecca Goldstein: The long reach of reason TED Talk (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

For your first post deconstruct Rebecca Goldstein's argument ( list the premises, evidence to support / refute them and her conclusion) and state whether you agree or disagree with her conclusion and why.  Comment on 2 of your peers to help refine our overall analysis or to provide further evidence or a new perspective on the subject.