On Being Certain

Believing You Are Right Even When You're Not

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book On Being Certain by Robert A. Burton, M.D., St. Martin's Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert A. Burton, M.D. ISBN: 9781429926119
Publisher: St. Martin's Press Publication: February 5, 2008
Imprint: St. Martin's Press Language: English
Author: Robert A. Burton, M.D.
ISBN: 9781429926119
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication: February 5, 2008
Imprint: St. Martin's Press
Language: English

You recognize when you know something for certain, right? You "know" the sky is blue, or that the traffic light had turned green, or where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001--you know these things, well, because you just do.

In On Being Certain, neurologist Robert Burton challenges the notions of how we think about what we know. He shows that the feeling of certainty we have when we "know" something comes from sources beyond our control and knowledge. In fact, certainty is a mental sensation, rather than evidence of fact. Because this "feeling of knowing" seems like confirmation of knowledge, we tend to think of it as a product of reason. But an increasing body of evidence suggests that feelings such as certainty stem from primitive areas of the brain, and are independent of active, conscious reflection and reasoning. The feeling of knowing happens to us; we cannot make it happen.

Bringing together cutting edge neuroscience, experimental data, and fascinating anecdotes, Robert Burton explores the inconsistent and sometimes paradoxical relationship between our thoughts and what we actually know. Provocative and groundbreaking, On Being Certain, will challenge what you know (or think you know) about the mind, knowledge, and reason.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

You recognize when you know something for certain, right? You "know" the sky is blue, or that the traffic light had turned green, or where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001--you know these things, well, because you just do.

In On Being Certain, neurologist Robert Burton challenges the notions of how we think about what we know. He shows that the feeling of certainty we have when we "know" something comes from sources beyond our control and knowledge. In fact, certainty is a mental sensation, rather than evidence of fact. Because this "feeling of knowing" seems like confirmation of knowledge, we tend to think of it as a product of reason. But an increasing body of evidence suggests that feelings such as certainty stem from primitive areas of the brain, and are independent of active, conscious reflection and reasoning. The feeling of knowing happens to us; we cannot make it happen.

Bringing together cutting edge neuroscience, experimental data, and fascinating anecdotes, Robert Burton explores the inconsistent and sometimes paradoxical relationship between our thoughts and what we actually know. Provocative and groundbreaking, On Being Certain, will challenge what you know (or think you know) about the mind, knowledge, and reason.

More books from St. Martin's Press

Cover of the book Restless in the Grave by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Bankrupting Physics by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book American Panic by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book The Rosewood Casket by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Ravage by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book My Anecdotal Life by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book The Lowells of Massachusetts by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Obsessed by Him by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book 52 Foods and Supplements for a Healthy Heart by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Dinosaur A to Z by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book An American Bride in Kabul by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Paying for College by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Fossils by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Addiction by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
Cover of the book Global Warming by Robert A. Burton, M.D.
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy