This month’s Book Spotlight shines on “The Republican Brain” by Chris Mooney. “Ha ha” you say, “Republican brain. What did they use to study it, a microscope? Is it a book of oxymorons? Did they study leprechauns too?” Yes, we can hear all the jokes, but that’s not what this is about. We’re not ashamed to pick books that stake out controversial positions, and “Brain” is definitely one of them. But we don’t think it is some vapid whack at Republicans and we certainly don’t want it to be seen as one.
“Republican Brain” talks about research in neuroscience pointing to biological differences between the brains of Conservatives and Liberals. New scanning technology allows us to see how the brain is working in real time, and how it reacts to new ideas. Many of the findings could be taken as offensive to conservatives, but they don’t have to be. (For example, research points to an “aversion to new ideas” among conservatives, but this could also be called “strength of conviction”). The book is a fascinating look at emerging science that could make us reconsider the political divide. If you want to learn more, just click the cover to go to the Powell’s Books website.
The Republican Brain by Chris Mooney
Bestselling author Chris Mooney uses cutting-edge research to explain the psychology behind why today’s Republicans reject reality—it’s just part of who they are.
From climate change to evolution, the rejection of mainstream science among Republicans is growing, as is the denial of expert consensus on the economy, American history, foreign policy and much more. Why won’t Republicans accept things that most experts agree on? Why are they constantly fighting against the facts?
Science writer Chris Mooney explores brain scans, polls, and psychology experiments to explain why conservatives today believe more wrong things; appear more likely than Democrats to oppose new ideas and less likely to change their beliefs in the face of new facts; and sometimes respond to compelling evidence by doubling down on their current beliefs.
Mooney goes beyond the standard claims about ignorance or corporate malfeasance to discover the real, scientific reasons why Republicans reject the widely accepted findings of mainstream science, economics, and history—as well as many undeniable policy facts (e.g., there were no “death panels” in the health care bill).
He explains that the political parties reflect personality traits and psychological needs—with Republicans more wedded to certainty, Democrats to novelty—and this is the root of our divide over reality.
“Republican Brain” is written by the author of The Republican War on Science, which was the first and still the most influential book to look at conservative rejection of scientific evidence. But the rejection of science is just the beginning…
Certain to spark discussion and debate, The Republican Brain also promises to add to the lengthy list of persuasive scientific findings that Republicans reject and deny.
UPDATE 8/24/12- We ran across this article by Jared Fife posted on AlterNet. It’s a much, much shorter treatment of the same subject as “Republican Brain”, and has interesting observations of the left/right divide on scientists.
