What's So Wrong with Being Absolutely Right?: The Dangerous Nature of Dogmatic Belief"Like pesky wasps buzzing circles around us, people who act as if they were the sole expert on a subject put us on edge. In halls of learning where we least expect to find it, in governments, in religious temples, in businesses, in marriages and families, dogmatism is the arrogant voice of certainty that closes the mind, damages relationships, and threatens peaceful coexistence on this planet." --From chapter 1In this incisive analysis of an increasingly pervasive problem, clinical psychologist Dr. Judy J. Johnson presents a landmark theory that probes the psychological channels of dogmatism. While other books describe the effects of specific types of ideological extremism, a wide-angle theory of dogmatism--in all its manifestations--has been lacking until now. Drawing from traditional and contemporary personality theories, biopsychology, social learning theory, Buddhism, and evolutionary psychology, Johnson explores major influences that shape the personality trait of dogmatism. She uses lively case studies to illustrate twelve characteristics of dogmatism, and suggests strategies for minimizing its harmful effects in our personal lives as well as our educational, political, and other social institutions.Written in a clear, engaging style that is professional in tone yet accessible to a wide audience, Johnson's insightful work will enlighten readers on one of the most important issues of our time. |
Contents
Acknowledgments | 11 |
GETTING STARTED | 23 |
Old Paths New Shoes | 61 |
Copyright | |
16 other sections not shown
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What's So Wrong with Being Absolutely Right: The Dangerous Nature of ... Judy J. Johnson Limited preview - 2009 |
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ability adaptive adolescence adults Altemeyer American Psychiatric Association amygdala anger anxiety attachment Authoritarian Personality Authoritarian Specter authority figures Basic Books become belief systems Big Five biological brain Buddhism certainty chapter characteristics of dogmatism child childhood chology closed closed-minded cognitive cognitive closure complex cultural dignity dogmatic authoritarian aggression dogmatists E. O. Wilson emotional environment Evolutionary Psychology existential existential despair experiences fear feelings freedom genes genetic goals human Ibid ical ideas identity ideology in-group individuals infants interact Jonah Journal of Personality leaders matism McCrae minds motives nature neurotic Norton one's open-minded parents Personality and Social personality development Personality Psychology personality traits Perspective political power and status psychological reason relationships religious Right-Wing Authoritarian rigid Rokeach role Scale sense social connection Social learning theory Social Psychology Theories of Personality thinking thoughts tion tism trait theory truth understand views vulnerable York