George Lakoff

Background

George Lakoff is a pioneer in the research of human conceptual systems, especially of metaphor systems and reframing language in advocating social and political issues. He has served as a professor of cognitive science and linguistics at the University of California at Berkeley since 1972. He previously taught at Harvard and the University of Michigan. In 1997, his book, Moral Politics (1996, 2002), helped inspire the formation of the Rockridge Institute, Berkeley, a think tank focused on articulating progressive issues. The Rockridge Institute closed in 2008. Moral Politics demonstrated that differences in worldviews arose from the application of nation-as-family metaphors, a strict father family for conservatism, and nurturant parent family for liberalism. Lakoff is the author of numerous papers, articles, and bestselling books including the popular classic, Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate—The Essential Guide for Progressives (2004). This past speaker page shares his podium presentation as well as the Q&A.