psychology-of-belief

Archive / Cultural References

Air and Dreams: An Essay on the Imagination of Movement – Gaston Bachelard – 1947, Various editions

Bachelard’s work explores the poetic and psychological significance of air and movement, arguing they fundamentally shape our imagination and understanding of intangible concepts like freedom and aspiration.
It emerges from a post-war intellectual climate focused on subjective experience and existential questioning.
This book appeals to readers interested in philosophy, psychology, and poetry, offering insights into the embodied nature of human experience.

Read More Air and Dreams: An Essay on the Imagination of Movement – Gaston Bachelard – 1947, Various editions
Archive / Cultural References

A Sand County Almanac – Aldo Leopold – 1949, Oxford University Press

Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac proposes a ‘land ethic’—a moral framework extending ethical considerations to the natural world. It is a lyrical blend of natural history, philosophical reflection, and personal experience advocating for a shift in human perception and responsibility towards the land.

Read More A Sand County Almanac – Aldo Leopold – 1949, Oxford University Press
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

After Virtue – Alasdair MacIntyre – 3rd edition, 2007, University of Notre Dame Press

After Virtue critiques modern moral philosophy’s reliance on reason divorced from tradition, arguing for the necessity of a teleological framework grounded in shared understandings of the ‘good life’. It offers a compelling analysis of the historical and cultural forces that have shaped contemporary ethical debates.

Read More After Virtue – Alasdair MacIntyre – 3rd edition, 2007, University of Notre Dame Press
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

American Conspiracy Theories – Joseph E. Uscinski, Joseph M. Parent – 2018

This work provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of American conspiracy theories, exploring their origins, prevalence, and impact on society.
It moves beyond individual beliefs to identify broader patterns and the underlying social and political factors at play.
The book offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the psychology of belief, political polarization, and the evolving landscape of information in the digital age.

Read More American Conspiracy Theories – Joseph E. Uscinski, Joseph M. Parent – 2018
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

A Brief History of Everything – Ken Wilber – 1996

Wilber’s work attempts a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge, proposing an ‘AQAL’ model to understand the evolution of consciousness and culture.
It draws from both scientific and spiritual traditions, offering an ‘integral’ perspective.
It is a complex work intended for intellectually curious readers.

Read More A Brief History of Everything – Ken Wilber – 1996
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. 1 & 2 – William Keith Chambers Guthrie – 1962 & 1965

W.K.C. Guthrie’s *A History of Greek Philosophy* provides a detailed historical and cultural examination of the development of Greek philosophical thought from the pre-Socratics to the Hellenistic period. It remains a landmark achievement in the field, notable for its contextualization and scholarly rigor.

Read More A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. 1 & 2 – William Keith Chambers Guthrie – 1962 & 1965
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

A History of God – Karen Armstrong – 1999

Karen Armstrong’s work traces the evolution of the concept of God across different cultures and eras, highlighting the influence of historical and societal factors. It provides a nuanced and accessible overview of theological thought.

Read More A History of God – Karen Armstrong – 1999
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

A Brief History of Time – Stephen Hawking – 1988, Bantam Books

Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time explores cosmology and the fundamental questions about the universe’s origins and structure for a general audience.
The book achieved widespread recognition for its accessibility and contribution to public understanding of physics.
It reflects a cultural moment of heightened interest in scientific discovery.

Read More A Brief History of Time – Stephen Hawking – 1988, Bantam Books
Archive / Cultural References

Women Who Run With the Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estés – 1992, Ballantine Books

Clarissa Pinkola Estés reclaims the archetype of the ‘Wild Woman’ through analysis of myths and folklore, offering a pathway to psychological wholeness for women. The book blends Jungian psychology with cross-cultural storytelling to explore female power and creativity.

Read More Women Who Run With the Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estés – 1992, Ballantine Books
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

Why Would Anyone Believe in God? – Justin L. Barrett – 2011

Justin L. Barrett explores the cognitive underpinnings of religious belief, arguing that it stems from natural tendencies in human cognition. The book provides a naturalistic explanation for why humans are predisposed to believe in gods, rooted in evolutionary psychology.

Read More Why Would Anyone Believe in God? – Justin L. Barrett – 2011