A “thrilling expedition on an emerging scientific frontier” (Dennis Trumble, author of The Way of Science), Andy Norman’s Mental Immunity develops the conceptual foundations of cognitive immunology, the revolutionary science of immunity to problematic information.
Why does misinformation thoroughly unhinge some but barely affect others? It turns out minds have immune systems all their own: evolved defenses that sometimes function brilliantly—but other times fail in spectacular fashion. And now, scientists are unlocking their secrets.
The insights of cognitive immunologists are helping millions become happier, better-functioning human beings. They’re helping societies around the world tame the crazy unleashed by 24/7 internet connectivity.
Mental Immunity brings a message of hope: our turbulent information environments don’t have to leave us dispirited, lonely, and despondent. We don’t have to let our democracies fail. Instead, we can cultivate immunity to the noise and the nonsense. This simple step will help us think more clearly, reconnect with our better angels, and thrive amidst informational complexity.
In this lively and pathbreaking book, Andy Norman melds cutting-edge work in science and philosophy to fashion an “astonishingly enlightening” solution to the signature problem of our age. It’s a deep exploration of fundamental questions, a practical guide to spotting and shedding bad ideas, and a serious bid to bring humanity to its senses.
Contributor Bio(s)
 
Andy Norman is a cognitive scientist and award-winning author. He studies how ideologies short-circuit minds and corrupt moral understanding. He develops tools that help people dialogue together in fruitful and fair-minded ways. A pioneering cognitive immunologist, Norman’s work has appeared in Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Free Inquiry. In this engaging masterwork, he shows how the science of mental immunity is transforming our world.