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.
The Believing Brain: From Spiritual Faiths To Political Convictions
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Author: Michael Shermer
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 9781780335292
Details:
Author: Michael Shermer
Edition: First Edition
Binding: Paperback
Format: International Edition
Number Of Pages: 400
Release Date: 07-06-2012
Part Number: 9781780335292
Package Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.4 inches Languages: English
EAN: 9781780335292
