Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
No sample available
Title details for The Ideological Brain by Leor Zmigrod - Wait list

The Ideological Brain

The Radical Science of Flexible Thinking

ebook
Pre-release: Expected March 25, 2025
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: Not available
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: Not available

Named a best book of the year by The Guardian and The Telegraph
Why do some people become radicalized?
How do ideologies shape the human brain?
And how can we unchain our minds from toxic dogmas?
In The Ideological Brain, Leor Zmigrod reveals the deep connection between political beliefs and the biology of the brain. Drawing on her own pioneering research, she uncovers the complex interplay between biology and environment that predisposes some individuals to rigid ways of thinking, and explains how ideologies take hold of our brains, fundamentally changing the way we think, act and interact with others. She shows how ideologues of all types struggle to change their thought patterns when faced with new information, culminating in the radical message that our politics are not superficial but are woven into the fabric of our minds.
This authoritative, accessible and playful blend of psychology, politics and philosophy explores the cutting-edge of the emerging field of political neuroscience. Zmigrod examines its historical roots before she looks to the future, considering the broader social and political implications of her groundbreaking research. Guiding readers through her experiments, she eventually describes what a free, authentic, and tolerant brain looks like, and explains how anyone can keep their mind open and flexible in the face of extremist ideologies.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • Booklist

      February 1, 2025
      Much of the world's population seems to be at odds, seriously questioning how some people can hold such ridiculously inaccurate misconceptions. This book considers philosophical and political viewpoints in relation to current neurological research. Do deeply rooted elements in the brain determine rigidity or flexibility, or is it social conditioning? Are there neurological indicators that determine susceptibility to conspiracy theories and radicalization, or is it recruitment propaganda? Neuroscientist Zmigrod ushers readers through evolving -isms (eighteenth-century idealism, nineteenth-century Marxism, etc.) and identifies how each appealed to basic cognitive functions like prediction, communication, and order. She considers the influences of additional factors, such as perception, genetics, and faith, and unsurprisingly, things get progressively murkier as more factors come into play, especially considering neurological research that reveals unexpected connections between spontaneous physical reactions, emotional responses, thought processes, justifications, and actions. The text can get fairly technical at times, but Zmigrod effectively plays seemingly disparate notions off each other, offering balanced perspectives, identifying conundrums, and raising topics worthy of further investigation. A thought-provoking and eloquent offering for science-oriented social observers.

      COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Loading