This week we go deep and we go long, considering the tide of human history. How science, reason, and rational inquiry contribute to human progress.

Dr. Michael Shermer is our guest. He's the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine, a monthly columnist for Scientific American and a regular contributor to Time.com.

In his latest book, The Moral Arc: How Science and Reason Lead Humanity toward Truth, Justice, and Freedom, he claims that we are living in the most moral period of our history.

Using data and the lessons of history, Michael shows that the arc of the moral universe bends toward truth, justice, and freedom.

When considering right and wrong, "most people separate scientific facts - facts about nature - from moral facts," says Michael in this episode of our podcast, "How Do We Fix It?" "I'm pushing back against that saying moral truths are really no different from biological or physical truths about nature."

We consider the profound implications of his ideas for how we look at science, religion, politics, climate change, prison reform and our own moral choices.

You can find out more about Steven Pinker, or his book, "The Better Angels of Our Nature" by clicking on the links provided.