The Brain's Seductive Allure, and the Science of Persuasion

In which Jay Van Bavel and I hypothesize that recent debates over the persuasive power of brain images will be resolved by classic theories of persuasion, and politely suggest that the question wasn't the right one in the first place...

In which Jay Van Bavel and I hypothesize that recent debates over the persuasive power of brain images will be resolved by classic theories of persuasion, and politely suggest that the question wasn't the right one in the first place...

A Political Fantasy: The Veil of Amnesia

The problem is not that we disagree politically, but that our disagreements are driven so strongly by our political identities rather our values. We have become a society of political victory rather than political principle. The veil of amnesia offers a solution.

The problem is not that we disagree politically, but that our disagreements are driven so strongly by our political identities rather our values. We have become a society of political victory rather than political principle. The veil of amnesia offers a solution.

Do As The Romans (Or Perhaps the Visigoths) Do

The idea that behaviors are contagious is evocative. But the link between behavior and infection is an imperfect metaphor. Behaviors spread because when we make decisions, we often use other people to guide our choices. To understand social influence requires that we understand why people rely on others as guides.

The idea that behaviors are contagious is evocative. But the link between behavior and infection is an imperfect metaphor. Behaviors spread because when we make decisions, we often use other people to guide our choices. To understand social influence requires that we understand why people rely on others as guides.

Whistle-Blowers and the Ellsberg Paradox

Even if he had never leaked the ‘Pentagon Papers’, Daniel Ellsberg would still be famous – though much less so. In the news this week defending Edward Snowden for leaking classified NSA surveillance programs, Ellsberg is also the inventor of the Ellsberg Paradox...

Even if he had never leaked the ‘Pentagon Papers’, Daniel Ellsberg would still be famous – though much less so. In the news this week defending Edward Snowden for leaking classified NSA surveillance programs, Ellsberg is also the inventor of the Ellsberg Paradox...