The Republican brain : the science of why they deny science - and reality

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. 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). 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. 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. 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.

• 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).
• 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.
• 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. 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.--publisher Description. Denying Minds -- Smart Idiots -- Political Personalities -- For God And Tribe -- Don't Get Defensive -- Are Conservatives From The Amygdala? -- A Tale Of Two Republicans -- The Science Of Fox News -- The Reality Gap -- The Republican War On Economics -- The Republican War On History -- What The Frack Is True? -- A Liberal Confronts New Data. Chris Mooney. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. 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. Goes beyond the... The EPUB format of this title may not be compatible for use on all handheld devices. ϡ쯦랠 Introduction: equations to refute Einstein Politics, facts, and brains. Prelude: liberal fresco on a prison wall ; Denying minds ; Smart idiots The "nature" hypothesis: dangerous certainty. Political personalities ; For God and tribe ; Don't get defensive ; Are conservatives from the amygdala? Enter the "environment": turning against change. A tale of two Republicans ; The science of Fox News The truth: who's right, who's wrong, and who updates. The reality gap ; The Republican war on economics ; The Republican war on history ; What the frack is true? The political laboratory. A liberal confronts new data Conclusion: rescuing reality.