The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies - How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths

by Shermer, Michael
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
ISBN: 9781250008800
Availability:
$9.99

Available Offers

20% Off In Cart
See Details
Offer Details
Get 20% off on pre-owned items, available in store and online. Offer valid May 23-26, 2025. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons and does not apply to previous purchases. Offer cannot be used to buy gift cards or items labeled as 'New' on HPB.com. Sale prices will be reflected in your cart.
Pickup at HPB West Lane Avenue Out of stock at HPB West Lane Avenue Check other stores
FREE -
Ship to Me
$3.99 - Get it May 31 - Jun 3

Overview

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 begins to look for and find patterns, and then infuses those patterns with meaning, forming beliefs. Once beliefs are formed the brain begins to look for and find confirmatory evidence in support of those beliefs, accelerating 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. And ultimately, he demonstrates why science is the best tool ever devised to determine whether or not our beliefs match reality.

  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Author: Shermer, Michael
  • ISBN: 9781250008800
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 8.25 x 1.06
  • Number Of Pages: 385
  • Publication Year: 2012

Customer Reviews