What's So Wrong with Being Absolutely Right

by Johnson, Judy J.

• ISBN13: 9781591026570
• ISBN10: 1591026571
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2008-09-23
• Publisher: Prometheus Books

Summary

This book presents a landmark theory that probes the psychological channels of dogmatism. This wide-angle theory has been sadly lacking until now. The author explores major influences that shape the personality trait of dogmatism using lively case studies to illustrate twelve of its characteristics. Strategies for minimising the effects of dogmatism in our lives as well as in out educational, political and social institutions are suggested. It is written in a clear engaging style that is professional yet accessible to a wide audience to provide enlightenment.

Table of Contents

Getting Started

The "Absolute Truth" about Dogmatism: Historical Background

Old Paths, New Shoes: Rokeach's Model and Modern Adaptations

The Personality Puzzle: Assembling the Pieces

Scarring the Face of Reason: Influential Factors That Shape Adult Dogmatism

Portraits of Dogmatism

Black-and-White Thinking: Cognitive Characteristics of Dogmatism

Stir in Color: Emotional Characteristics of Dogmatism

Add a Little Action: Behavioral Characteristics of Dogmatism

Contemporary Models

Meet Jonah: A Developmental Narrative of Dogmatism

Is Humanity Hardwired to Short-Circuit Reason?: Theories of Evolution

Biological Beginnings: Our Neuronal Hardware

Permanent Scars or Temporary Wounds?: Dogmatism from the Trait Perspective

Influential Factors: Developmental and Personality Theorists

The Dogmatist in the Crib: Critical Milestones of the First Two Years

Digging Deep into Dogmatism: Psychodynamic Perspectives

The Bark of Dogmatism: Humanistic-Existential Contributions

Nailing Truth to the Mat: Cognitive-Behavioral Models and Social Learning Theory

Removing the Nails: Buddhist Philosophy

Concluding Thoughts

Where To from Here?: Open-Minded Optimism

Bibliography

Index

Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.