The Republican Brain The Science of Why They Deny Science--and Reality

Bestselling author Chris Mooney uses cutting-edge research to explain that many Republicans have not chosen to reject reality-they may be just born that way From climate change to evolution to even the Theory of Relativity, the rejection of mainstream science among Republicans is growing, as is the denial of expert consensus on the economy, American history, foreign policy, and much more. Why wont Republicans accept things that most experts agree on? Why are they constantly fighting against the facts? Science writer Chris Mooney explores brain scans, polls, and psychology experiments to explain why conservatives believe more wrong things; appear more likely than Democrats to oppose new ideas and less likely to change their beliefs in the face of new facts; and sometimes respond to compelling evidence by doubling down on their current beliefs. Goes beyond the standard explanations of ignorance or corporate malfeasance to discover the real, scientific reasons why Republicans reject the widely accepted findings of mainstream science, economics, and history-as well as many obvious policy facts (e.g., there were no "death panels" in the health care bill) Explains that people are born with a number of psychological traits, and they tend to gravitate to the party that satisfies those traits-like certainty for Republicans and novelty for Democrats Written by the author of The Republican War on Science, which was the first and still the most influential book to look at conservative rejection of scientific evidence Certain to spark discussion and debate, The Republican Brain also promises to add to the lengthy list of persuasive scientific findings that Republicans reject and deny.

Chris Mooney is the bestselling author of The Republican War on Science, the host of the "Point of Inquiry" podcast, and the author of "The Intersection" blog for Science Progress. In addition to three books, in the past he has written for Mother Jones, the American Prospect, Harper's, the Washington Post, USA Today, and Slate. He has appeared on The Last Word, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Book TV, Science Friday, Morning Joe, and Fresh Air, among other programs.