TAKING SIDES

An accessible, original and definitive examination of the psychology behind why we become polarised - and how to better accommodate opposing points of view

Format: Paperback
Publication date: 01 May 2025
Publisher: LITTLE BROWN PAPERBACKS (A&C)

'Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered - and it could change the world' Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University

'Repeated throughout is the fine principle that whatever position you wish to argue on an issue, you must be honest about what bad effects, as well as good, will follow.' Steven Poole, The Times

Beliefism (noun): Discrimination against people who disagree with us

Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? We might like to think that we're tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own. That means we're falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism.

Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan shows how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps - and how harmful that can be. Combining curiosity, irreverence and warmth, Beliefism is a definitive behavioural science take by a leader in his field. Whether it's among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist will make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.

ISBN-13: 9780349128719