The believing brain : from ghosts and gods to politics and conspiracies--how we construct beliefs and reinforce them as truths / Michael Shermer.
| Author/creator | Shermer, Michael |
| Format | Book |
| Edition | 1st ed. |
| Publication Info | New York : Times Books, 2011. |
| Description | xii, 385 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Contributor biographical information |
| Supplemental Content | Publisher description |
| Supplemental Content | Sample text |
| Subjects |
| Contents | Prologue: I want to believe -- |
| Contents | pt. 1.: Journeys of belief -- 1. Mr. D'Arpino's dilemma -- 2. Dr. Collins's conversion -- 3. A skeptic's journey -- |
| Contents | pt. II: The biology of belief -- 4. Patternicity --5. Agenticity -- 6. The believing neuron -- |
| Contents | pt. III: Belief in things unseen -- 7. Belief in the afterlife -- 8. Belief in God -- 9. Belief in aliens -- 10. Belief in conspiracies -- |
| Contents | pt. IV: Belief in things seen -- 11. Politics of belief -- 12. Confirmations of belief -- 13. Geographies of belief -- 14. Cosmologies of belief -- |
| Contents | Epilogue: The truth is out there. |
| Abstract | Shermer demonstrates how our brains selectively assess data in an attempt to confirm the conclusions (beliefs) we've already reached. Drawing on evolution, cognitive science, and neuroscience, he considers not only supernatural beliefs but political and economic ones as well. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| LCCN | 2010030706 |
| ISBN | 9780805091250 |
| ISBN | 0805091254 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | General Stacks | BF773 .S54 2011 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |