The Believing Brain

Name: The Believing Brain
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9781780335292
Price: 31.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

From Spiritual Faiths to Political Convictions – How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths

By Michael Shermer

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Summary

The Believing Brain by Michael Shermer explores the fascinating ways in which humans form beliefs and maintain them as reality. It delves into the psychology and neuroscience behind belief systems, illustrating how our brains build beliefs first and then find reasons to support them. This engrossing examination provides insight into why we believe what we do, driven by both natural and cultural influences.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$31⁹⁹

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The Believing Brain

$31⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by how our brains construct beliefs and the role of cognitive biases in shaping our reality. It delves into the science of belief formation, offering insights into why we hold certain convictions and how they influence our perceptions of the world. Perfect for readers interested in psychology, neuroscience, and the nature of human thought.

'The Believing Brain is a tour de force integrating neuroscience and the social sciences to explain how irrational beliefs are formed and reinforced' - Dr Leonard Mlodinow, author The Drunkard's Walk

The Believing Brain is a tour de force integrating neuroscience and the social sciences to explain how irrational beliefs are formed and reinforced.

Description

Synthesizing thirty years of research, psychologist and science historian Michael Shermer upends the traditional thinking about how humans form beliefs about the world. Simply put, beliefs come first and explanations for beliefs follow. The brain, Shermer argues, is a belief engine. Using sensory data that flow in through the senses, the brain naturally looks for and finds patterns - and then infuses those patterns with meaning, forming beliefs.

Once beliefs are formed, our brains subconsciously seek out confirmatory evidence in support of those beliefs, which accelerates the process of reinforcing them, and round and round the process goes in a positive-feedback loop.

In The Believing Brain, Shermer provides countless real-world examples of how this process operates, from politics, economics, and religion to conspiracy theories, the supernatural, and the paranormal. Ultimately, he demonstrates why science is the best tool ever devised to determine whether or not our belief matches reality.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Believing Brain is praised for its exploration of the origins of belief through a blend of neuroscience and social sciences. Reviews highlight its engaging narrative filled with scientific evidence and real-world examples, making it both accessible and compelling. The book is recognised for its ability to challenge readers' understanding of their own beliefs and the rigidity found in religious and political views. Michael Shermer's work is described as a must-read for its articulate examination of justified and unjustified beliefs.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780335292

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 June 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Robinson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 4.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 365g

Pages: 464

Collections

Education & Reference Michael Shermer Non-Fiction Science & Nature

About the Author

Michael Shermer is the author of The Believing Brain, Why People Believe Weird Things, The Science of Good and Evil, The Mind Of The Market, Why Darwin Matters, Science Friction, How We Believe and other books on the evolution of human beliefs and behavior. He is the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, the editor of Skeptic.com, a monthly columnist for Scientific American, and an adjunct professor at Claremont Graduate University. He lives in Southern California.