Ben Hunt Notes Absence of Epsilon Theory in Pinker's New Book on Common Knowledge

Ben Hunt, founder of Epsilon Theory, recently highlighted the complete absence of references to his firm's work in Steven Pinker's newly released book. "NARRATOR: In fact, there were zero references to @epsilontheory’s work in @sapinker’s new book," Hunt stated on social media on September 24, 2025, drawing attention to a potential oversight given the thematic overlap.

Steven Pinker, the renowned cognitive psychologist and linguist, launched his latest book, "When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows...: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life," on September 23, 2025. This work delves into how shared awareness, or common knowledge, profoundly influences social, political, and economic interactions, from coordinating actions to shaping public opinion and market behavior. Pinker's analysis explores the hidden logic of common knowledge in various societal phenomena.

Epsilon Theory, co-founded by Ben Hunt, is recognized for its distinctive approach to understanding markets and human behavior, often emphasizing the critical role of narrative and "common knowledge" in driving economic and political outcomes. Hunt's research frequently examines how collective beliefs and shared stories, rather than purely rational calculations, dictate decisions and market trends. This perspective often positions Epsilon Theory as a commentator on the psychological and sociological underpinnings of financial and societal systems.

The observation by Hunt suggests a notable intellectual divergence, as both Pinker and Epsilon Theory explore the concept of common knowledge as a fundamental driver of human activity. While Pinker's work provides a broad academic framework for understanding this phenomenon, Epsilon Theory applies a similar lens to analyze market dynamics and investor behavior. The lack of cross-referencing points to distinct intellectual trajectories or an unawareness of parallel research in closely related fields.

This commentary from Ben Hunt underscores the ongoing discourse among public intellectuals regarding the mechanisms that shape human decision-making and societal structures. It highlights how different academic and analytical frameworks, despite addressing similar core concepts, may develop in parallel without direct engagement, potentially limiting interdisciplinary synthesis on topics like rationality, narrative, and collective action.