The Ideological Brain
The Radical Science of Flexible Thinking
by Leor Zmigrod
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Pub Date Mar 25 2025 | Archive Date Apr 25 2025
Henry Holt & Company | Henry Holt and Co.
Description
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.
Advance Praise
"Filled with insightful findings, this book shows that ideological extremism and polarization are not just problems to fret about but puzzles that can be studied and understood."
—Steven Pinker, Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and author of Rationality
“This remarkable book tells us something fascinating and heartening about the neuroscience of our inflexibilities and our dogmatisms. Lucid and eloquent, The Ideological Brain couldn't be more timely.”
—Adam Phillips, author of Missing Out
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781250344595 |
| PRICE | $29.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 304 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Mark K, Educator
The Ideological Brain offers a groundbreaking exploration of how our political and ideological beliefs are shaped by biology, neuroscience, and personal experiences. It dives into the ways that convictions can alter not just our thoughts but our very brain structures, uncovering how deeply rooted ideological systems can affect perception and cognition. By integrating insights from politics, philosophy, and cutting-edge cognitive science, the book challenges the reader to reconsider how ideologies influence our behavior, decisions, and even our bodies. Through rich examples and accessible language, the text reveals how seemingly abstract beliefs manifest in tangible neural patterns. This unique perspective equips readers with a deeper understanding of the powerful grip ideologies can have on individuals and societies. Highly recommended for anyone curious about the intersection of the brain and the forces that shape our worldviews.
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