Aha!
The Moments of Insight that Shape Our World
Paperback | 15 August 2017
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In Aha!: The Moments of Insight that Shape Our World, philosopher William B. Irvine, author of A Guide to the Good Life and On Desire, explores these epiphanies, from the minor insights that strike us all daily, to the major realizations that alter the course of history. Focusing on aha moments as they take place in five different domains--religion, morality, science, math, and art--Irvine provides case studies that shed light on the different ways epiphanies happen in the different domains, and on their differing social impact. Along the way, he describes some of the great aha moments in history, from ancient times to the present day.
We like to think that our greatest thoughts are the product of our conscious mind. Irvine demonstrates, though, that it is our unconscious mind that is the source of our most significant insights, and that the role the conscious mind plays in eliciting these insights is to try, unsuccessfully, to solve certain problems. Only if the conscious mind is willing to do this--and thereby experience considerable frustration--is the unconscious mind likely to reward it with a breakthrough insight-that the conscious mind will then take credit for.
Irvine explores not only the neuroscience of aha moments but also their personal and social ramifications. How does a person respond to having a breakthrough insight that goes against a dominant paradigm? And how does the world respond when she shares that insight? Irvine shows that in many cases, what is most remarkable about those who have had the great insights of human history is not their but their courage and perseverance in fighting for the world to accept those insights.
Aha! is a must-read for cognitive scientists, intellectual historians, philosophers, and anyone who has ever been blown away by the ideas that enlighten us when we least expect it.
Industry Reviews
ISBN: 9780190690274
ISBN-10: 0190690275
Published: 15th August 2017
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 376
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
Country of Publication: US
Dimensions (cm): 17.02 x 11.68 x 1.78
Weight (kg): 0.3
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You Can Find This Book In
This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionPhilosophyHistory of Western Philosophy
- Non-FictionScienceScience in GeneralPhilosophy of Science
- Non-FictionSelf-Help, Personal Development & Practical AdvicePopular Psychology
- Non-FictionPhilosophyPopular Philosophy
- Non-FictionPhilosophyPhilosophy of The Mind
- Non-FictionPsychologyCognition & Cognitive PsychologyIntelligence & Reasoning
- Non-FictionSociety & CultureCultural StudiesHistory of Ideas