First published 2011
How do humans form beliefs about the world around them? Michael Shermer presents a theory that turns conventional wisdom upside down. Rather than beliefs following evidence, Shermer argues that beliefs form first and explanations come after. The human brain operates as a belief engine that processes sensory information by searching for patterns and assigning meaning to them. Once these meaningful patterns become beliefs, the brain actively seeks confirming evidence while ignoring contradictory data. This creates a reinforcing cycle that strengthens existing beliefs regardless of their accuracy. Shermer draws from thirty years of research in psychology and history of science to support his argument. He examines real examples from politics, religion, economics, conspiracy theories, and supernatural claims to show this process in action. The book reveals the cognitive mechanisms that make humans so skilled at defending their beliefs as absolute truths. Shermer concludes by explaining why scientific methods provide the most reliable way to test whether beliefs correspond to reality.
Genres: science, psychology, brain, non-fiction, belief, academic
Vibes: analytical, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic-expert, evidence-based-arguments, myth-debunking
400 pages · Hardcover · Times Books