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The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies—How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths
Price: $2.99
(as of Dec 28,2024 12:34:31 UTC – Details)
ASIN : B004GHN26W
Publisher : Times Books (May 24, 2011)
Publication date : May 24, 2011
Language : English
File size : 3611 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 401 pages
Customers say
Customers find this book informative and engaging. They describe it as a great, readable read with good illustrations. Many readers find the book worthwhile and recommend it to others. However, opinions differ on the writing style – some find it clear and concise, while others feel it’s repetitive and lacks clarity. There are mixed reviews regarding the speculative content, with some finding it interesting and others criticizing the author’s agendas.
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In this post, we will explore the fascinating concept of “The Believing Brain” as described by psychologist Michael Shermer in his book of the same name. We will delve into how our brains are wired to believe in things, whether they are ghosts, gods, political ideologies, or conspiracy theories, and how we construct and reinforce these beliefs as truths.
Shermer argues that our brains are pattern-seeking machines, constantly trying to make sense of the world around us. This tendency to seek patterns and connect dots can lead us to believe in things that may not have any basis in reality. From seeing faces in clouds to attributing random events to the work of unseen forces, our brains are primed to believe in the supernatural.
But it’s not just supernatural beliefs that our brains are predisposed to. We also have a tendency to believe in political ideologies and conspiracy theories, even in the face of contradictory evidence. Shermer explains that once we form a belief, our brains actively seek out information that confirms our beliefs, while disregarding information that challenges them. This confirmation bias can make it incredibly difficult to change our minds, even when presented with overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
So how can we combat this tendency to believe in things without evidence? Shermer suggests that we need to be more skeptical, question our beliefs, and be open to new information. By actively seeking out opposing viewpoints and challenging our own assumptions, we can become more critical thinkers and less prone to falling prey to the pitfalls of the believing brain.
In conclusion, “The Believing Brain” sheds light on the complex ways in which our brains construct and reinforce beliefs, whether they are based in reality or not. By understanding the mechanisms at play, we can become more aware of our own biases and work towards forming more rational and evidence-based beliefs. Let’s strive to be more conscious of how our brains work and resist the urge to blindly accept beliefs as truths.
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