{"product_id":"the-believing-brain-from-ghosts-and-gods-to-politics-and-conspiracies-how-we-by-michael-shermer","title":"The Believing Brain: From Ghosts And Gods To Politics And Conspiracies---how We by Michael Shermer","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:'Georgia',serif;max-width:800px;margin:0 auto;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a1a;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;background:#004b23;color:#fff;font-size:14px;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;padding:10px 14px;border-radius:4px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003eFREE SHIPPING IN AUSTRALIA • Express Post option additional at checkout\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:22px;margin:0 0 4px;color:#000;\"\u003eThe Believing Brain: From Ghosts And Gods To Politics And Conspiracies---how We\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-style:italic;font-size:15px;color:#444;margin:0 0 6px;\"\u003eBy Michael Shermer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#004b23;margin:0;\"\u003e2011 • Hardcover • Holt \u0026amp; Company, Henry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 6px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eThe Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies—How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths is a non-fiction popular science book by skeptic and science writer Michael Shermer, published in 2011. This first edition hardcover with Dust Jacket explores the cognitive roots of belief, analyzing how the brain forms and maintains beliefs in various domains. It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in skepticism, psychology, and neuroscience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eSynopsis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 12px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies - How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them As Truths\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\/Publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michael Shermer, Holt \u0026amp; Company, Henry\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2011\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400-page Illustrated Hardcover with Dust Jacket\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 10px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eMichael Shermer's acclaimed 2011 work, 'The Believing Brain', delves into the profound question of why humans believe what they do. This significant non-fiction title, rooted in psychology and philosophy, presents a comprehensive exploration of the cognitive processes underlying belief formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 10px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eAcross its 400 pages, Shermer examines the intricate mechanisms through which our brains construct and then solidify convictions, investigating the full spectrum of human belief, from the spiritual and supernatural to complex political ideologies and conspiracy theories. It offers a vital contribution to understanding the human mind's inherent drive to find meaning and create narratives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:14px 0 10px;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cognitive Architecture of Belief:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drawing on cognitive neuroscience and psychology, this section elucidates the fundamental brain processes that underpin our capacity for belief, exploring how perceptions and experiences are translated into firmly held convictions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupernatural and Spiritual Convictions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shermer meticulously investigates the origins and persistence of beliefs in phenomena such as ghosts and gods, offering insights into the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of spiritual and paranormal thought.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePolitical and Conspiratorial Thinking:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book meticulously analyses how individuals form political allegiances and embrace conspiracy theories, providing a framework for understanding the cognitive biases and social influences that shape these potent belief systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEpistemology of Truth Reinforcement:\u003c\/strong\u003e A crucial aspect explored is the epistemological journey of beliefs: how initial hypotheses become reinforced as indisputable truths within the individual mind, often irrespective of empirical evidence or logical coherence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 6px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eAs a first edition hardcover, this book represents a pivotal work in the fields of psychology and philosophy, offering enduring insights into human cognition. Its continued relevance to contemporary discussions on critical thinking, misinformation, and societal narratives makes it a compelling acquisition for serious readers and collectors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;margin:0;font-style:italic;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eThis item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eHardcover\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eAcceptable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003ePublisher\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eHolt \u0026amp; Company, Henry\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eYear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e2011\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003ePages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e400\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNot Specified\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eGenre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003ePsychology, Philosophy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eTopic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eCognitive Neuroscience \u0026amp; Cognitive Neuropsychology, Epistemology, Cognitive Psychology \u0026amp; Cognition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eSigned\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eEdition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e1st Edition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eVintage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eDust Jacket, Illustrated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eLanguage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eEx Libris\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eInscribed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eBook Title\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eBelieving Brain : From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies - How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them As Truths\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eItem Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e6.4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eIllustrator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eItem Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e1.3 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eItem Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e9.4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eItem Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e22.7 Oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003ePersonalised\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eCustom Bundle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eNarrative Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNon-Fiction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eIntended Audience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eAdults\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eOriginal Language\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eWe ship every business day, on occasion we may post the same day but expect it to be shipped on the next business day with tracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eWe offer Express Post \u0026amp; International Shipping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eWhere an item exceeds Australia Post weights or dimensions, we utilise a courier. In this case we are unable to ship to PO Boxes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eItems are packed in padded bubble mailers, with exception of thin paperbacks or magazines or DVDs that are sent in cardboard envelopes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge book sets are carefully packaged in boxes with packaging material to eliminate movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eReturn Policy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 6px;\"\u003eWe are here to help! If you are unhappy with your purchase or you feel we've made a mistake, contact us and we are more than happy to assist to make your experience a positive one!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\"\u003eIf we still can't solve the issue and you need to return your item, you can! Contact us within 30 days of the purchase for returns. Thereafter, we do not accept returns. Shipping costs are at the buyers expense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eEnvironmental Impact\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 6px;\"\u003eWe are one of the few sellers that package our items with not only great care but environmental impact consideration. We're committed to a carbon-neutral parcel delivery through Australia Post which provides positive environmental and social impacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003eWe utilise the following packaging:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eLandfill-biodegradable bundling wrap to quickly secure and bundle items to avoid damage during transit. It can be recycled or disposed of in the general rubbish bin. Once disposed to landfill biodegradation is accelerated approximately 90+% faster than conventional bundling wrap, producing organic matter (a natural fertiliser) and no microplastics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eOur plain padded bubble mailers are suitable for kerbside paper collection and recycling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eAll of our satchels are recyclable and made from 80% recycled content plastic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll of our envelopes can be recycled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;background:#004b23;color:#fff;font-size:14px;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;padding:10px 14px;border-radius:4px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003eFREE SHIPPING IN AUSTRALIA • Express Post option additional at checkout\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;border-top:2px solid #d4af37;padding-top:10px;margin-top:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#004b23;margin:0;\"\u003eGatsby's\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:11px;color:#999;margin:4px 0 0;\"\u003eFremantle • Western Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"GATSBY'S","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52347734163767,"sku":"1750 M 0526","price":25.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/8162\/3863\/files\/57_462c7ee7-f7dd-4707-acf3-230a464d6eec.png?v=1780600067","url":"https:\/\/gatsbysauction.com\/products\/the-believing-brain-from-ghosts-and-gods-to-politics-and-conspiracies-how-we-by-michael-shermer","provider":"Gatsby's Auction","version":"1.0","type":"link"}