Don't Let the Dimples and Drool Fool You

Alison Gopnik is a psychologist from UC Berkeley with a background in philosophy. She, like many of us, is convinced that even while we're in diapers, we're thinking about the universe, and considering the needs and feelings of those around us. True, it's difficult to strike up a discussion of postmodernism over Cheerios and sippy-cups. However, if we approach philosophy on a little person's terms, we do see evidence that they think about more than just their pacifiers and their next meal. Gopnik calls babies the "research and development" department of the human race, and insists that they're smart and curious, even without an entourage of expensive, high tech toys. Here are a couple of interesting clips, including a fantastic interview with Stephen Colbert.

http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-colbert-report/full-episodes/the-colbert-report---october-7-2009/#clip220761

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERSiBlNz8UU