One of the difficult things with handling data is that you have to pick the data, then determine its meaning. If you pick the wrong data or have a pre-built meaning you are hanging the data on, your research is void.
That is why double-blind studies exist, and one of the key parts in data-based social studies programs contains whole classes on building experiments: data is easily abusable. While Pinker might have charts, without understanding the causality of those charts - in depth! - all it becomes is propaganda for Pinker's ideas and a quick way to sway nerds.
(not to say that Pinker is right or wrong, but having data doesn't add credibility ipso facto).
That is why double-blind studies exist, and one of the key parts in data-based social studies programs contains whole classes on building experiments: data is easily abusable. While Pinker might have charts, without understanding the causality of those charts - in depth! - all it becomes is propaganda for Pinker's ideas and a quick way to sway nerds.
(not to say that Pinker is right or wrong, but having data doesn't add credibility ipso facto).