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Paul Bloom

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Paul Bloom is a Canadian American psychologist. He is the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University. His research explores how children and adults understand the physical and social world, with special focus on language, morality, religion, fiction, and art.
14 books on the list
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Freud book cover
Freud
The Making of an Illusion
Frederick Crews - 2017-08-22
Goodreads Rating
This book takes a critical look at Sigmund Freud and his contributions to psychoanalysis. Drawing on rarely consulted archives, the author asserts that Freud was a man who blundered tragically in his dealings with patients, never cured anyone, and advanced his career through falsifying case histories and betraying mentors. This monumental biographical study debunks the myth of Freud and his legacy.
Paul Bloom
2023-02-25T19:21:46.000Z
@gschifini @xavierbonilla87 I have. Great book -- I'm a big fan of Crews in general.      source
Holes and Other Superficialities book cover
Holes and Other Superficialities
Roberto Casati, Achille C. Varzi - 1995-08-28 (first published in 1994)
Goodreads Rating
This fascinating investigation on the borderlines of metaphysics, everyday geometry, and the theory of perception seeks to answer two basic Do holes really exist? And if so, what are they? Holes are among entities that down-to-earth philosophers would like to expel from their ontological inventory. Casati and Varzi argue in favor of their existence...
Paul Bloom
2023-01-23T21:52:41.000Z
@TomerUllman @levels_of @chris_starmans @RobertTalisse Such a cool topic. One of my favourite philosophy books is a deep dive (!) into holes:      source
Four Thousand Weeks book cover
Four Thousand Weeks
Time Management for Mortals
Oliver Burkeman - 2021-08-10
Goodreads Rating
Discover how to make the most of your time with "Four Thousand Weeks", a guide to time management that turns the modern obsession with productivity on its head. Author Oliver Burkeman draws on the insights of philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual teachers to create a practical and profound approach to constructing a meaningful life by embracing the finite nature of our time. Learn how to break free from the anxiety and pressure of our current approach to time management and make intentional choices to create a more fulfilling life.
Paul Bloom
2021-12-28T14:04:56.000Z
Just finished "Four Thousand Weeks" by @oliverburkeman. Loved it--it's wise and funny, with deep insights into how to think about time, work, and relationships. Perfect book to get you thinking about the new year.      source
The Color of Money book cover
The Color of Money
Walter Tevis - 2003-05-01 (first published in 1984)
Goodreads Rating
A former pool champion, "Fast" Eddie Felson, is back on the circuit and ready to take on a new generation of competitors. But to win, he must adapt to the unfamiliar game of nine-ball. The Color of Money is a gripping novel about high stakes games and the pressures of competition. This book is the source of the classic film starring Paul Newman.
Paul Bloom
2020-12-18T17:14:21.000Z
Been reading Walter Tevis, and finished "The Queen's Gambit" (chess) and "The Color of Money" (pool). They are both excellent stories, but more than that, they do such a great job at capturing what elite competition (and intensive training) is really like.      source
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Kurt Busiek
The Queen's Gambit book cover
The Queen's Gambit
A Novel
Walter Tevis - 2003-03-11 (first published in 1983)
Goodreads Rating
Follow the rise of Beth Harmon, an unremarkable orphan who discovers a hidden talent for chess. As she hones her skills, she becomes a fierce competitor on the professional circuit, yet isolation and temptation threaten to derail her success. Fast-paced and satisfying, The Queen's Gambit is a thrilling journey that culminates in an elegant checkmate.
Paul Bloom
2020-12-18T17:14:21.000Z
Been reading Walter Tevis, and finished "The Queen's Gambit" (chess) and "The Color of Money" (pool). They are both excellent stories, but more than that, they do such a great job at capturing what elite competition (and intensive training) is really like.      source
The Kindness of Strangers book cover
The Kindness of Strangers
How a Selfish Ape Invented a New Moral Code
Michael E. McCullough - 2020-05-12
Goodreads Rating
Discover the history of human goodness and learn how crises have shaped our moral thinking in The Kindness of Strangers. Psychologist Michael McCullough offers a fresh perspective on how humans evolved to care about others, dispelling previous theories about an evolved moral sense. From the nomadic age to modern challenges like climate change and nationalism, McCullough reveals how moral invention and reason drove humanity's survival. Gain insight into adapting our moral thinking and surviving future challenges.
Paul Bloom
2020-10-27T17:55:17.000Z
Highly recommended. My blurb: "This fascinating and wide-ranging book presents a new theory of why we are kind to strangers. ... This is a controversial book, but McCullough’s arguments are smart, clear, and ultimately persuasive."      source
The WEIRDest People in the World book cover
The WEIRDest People in the World
How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous
Joseph Henrich - 2020-09-08
Goodreads Rating
Explore the origins and evolution of the Western mind and its impact on the world in The WEIRDest People in the World. By delving into global psychological diversity, Harvard professor Joseph Henrich illuminates the cultural transformations that led to highly individualistic, nonconformist societies like ours. Drawing on research in anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology, Henrich maps the shifts in family structures, marriage, and religion that laid the foundation for the modern world. This highly engaging and provocative investigation reveals the fascinating interplay between culture, institutions, and psychology that shapes human history.
Paul Bloom
2020-09-13T16:53:36.000Z
Agreed. I'm also just starting @JoHenrich's book , and it's just filled with cool proposals, insights, and discoveries. (Put another way, there's a pleasingly high ratio of ideas per page)      source
A Theory of System Justification book cover
A Theory of System Justification
John T. Jost - 2019-01-31 (first published in 2004)
Goodreads Rating
This insightful book, A Theory of System Justification, explores why we defend social systems that cause misery and injustice. John Jost argues that our need for certainty, security, and social acceptance motivates us to protect the status quo - even when it harms others. With 25 years of research, Jost provides an accessible account of his groundbreaking theory that explains deep social and political issues, as well as intimate ones like relationships and self-worth. This book offers valuable insights for those seeking social justice and meaningful change.
Paul Bloom
2020-08-01T12:19:08.000Z
Highly recommended! -- John and I don't agree on everything, but he's one of the sharpest psychologists around and his new book is a summary & synthesis of his research and theorizing about system justification. This will be one of the classic texts of political psychology.      source
The Biggest Bluff book cover
The Biggest Bluff
How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win
Maria Konnikova - 2020-06-23
Goodreads Rating
A non-poker player with a Ph.D. in psychology becomes a professional poker player with the help of a Poker Hall of Fame inductee. Through her journey, she gains insights on life, human behavior, and how to distinguish between what can and can't be controlled. Along the way, she wins big, but more importantly, she learns that accepting luck and focusing on how to play bad cards can lead to a successful outcome.
Paul Bloom
2020-07-31T18:06:31.000Z
Just finished "The Biggest Bluff" by @mkonnikova. I'm a fan of all of Maria's writing, and this was fantastic--best poker book I ever read, but also one of the best books on the psychology of decision-making. Tons of fun too.      source
Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier
Possessed by Bruce Hood
Alchemy by Rory Sutherland
Down Girl by Kate Manne