Title
Aha!: The Moments of Insight that Shape Our World,Used
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Great ideas often develop gradually after studying a problem at lengthbut not always. Sometimes, an insight hits like a bolt from the blue. For Archimedes, clarity struck while he was taking a bath. For Gustav Mahler, it came as the blades of his oars touched the water. And for Albert Einstein, it emerged while he was talking to a friend. Why do these moments of insight strike so suddenly? Why do they so often come to us when we are focused on something completely unrelated? And when great ideas 'come to' us, where do they come from?In Aha!: The Moments of Insight that Shape Our World, philosopher William B. Irvine, author of A Guide to the Good Life and On Desire, explores these epiphanies, from the minor insights that strike us all daily, to the major realizations that alter the course of history. Focusing on aha moments as they take place in five different domainsreligion, morality, science, math, and artIrvine provides case studies that shed light on the different ways epiphanies happen in the different domains, and on their differing social impact. Along the way, he describes some of the great aha moments in history, from ancient times to the present day.We like to think that our greatest thoughts are the product of our conscious mind. Irvine demonstrates, though, that it is our unconscious mind that is the source of our most significant insights, and that the role the conscious mind plays in eliciting these insights is to try, unsuccessfully, to solve certain problems. Only if the conscious mind is willing to do thisand thereby experience considerable frustrationis the unconscious mind likely to reward it with a breakthrough insightthat the conscious mind will then take credit for.Irvine explores not only the neuroscience of aha moments but also their personal and social ramifications. How does a person respond to having a breakthrough insight that goes against a dominant paradigm? And how does the world respond when she shares that insight? Irvine shows that in many cases, what is most remarkable about those who have had the great insights of human history is not their but their courage and perseverance in fighting for the world to accept those insights.Aha! is a mustread for cognitive scientists, intellectual historians, philosophers, and anyone who has ever been blown away by the ideas that enlighten us when we least expect it.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has three hundred seventy-six pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of insights across various domains.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is hardcover. This binding type adds durability and a premium feel to the reading experience.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures seven point one inches in length, five point three one inches in width, and one point two inches in height. These dimensions make it portable and easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is William B. Irvine. He is a philosopher known for his work in cognitive psychology and insights.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book belongs to the Cognitive Psychology genre. It delves into the nature of insights and their impact on human thought.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around moments of insight that shape our understanding of the world. It explores how these breakthroughs occur across different fields.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in psychology? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It presents complex ideas in an accessible way, making it easy for newcomers to engage with cognitive psychology.
- Q: Can I read this book if I'm not familiar with philosophy? A: Yes, you can read this book without prior knowledge of philosophy. The author explains concepts clearly, making them understandable for all readers.
- Q: What should I do to keep this book in good condition? A: To keep the book in good condition, store it upright on a shelf and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This helps preserve the cover and pages.
- Q: Are there any specific cleaning instructions for this book? A: No, there are no specific cleaning instructions for this book. Simply dust it occasionally to keep it looking neat.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of the book? A: If you receive a damaged copy, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies in place for such situations.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is no warranty for this book. However, check the return policy with the seller for any issues.
- Q: How can I contact customer support for this book? A: You can contact customer support through the seller's website or platform where you purchased the book. They will assist you with any inquiries.
- Q: What age group is this book appropriate for? A: This book is appropriate for adults and older teens. Its themes are more suited for mature readers interested in philosophy and psychology.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works in cognitive psychology? A: This book offers a unique perspective on insights, focusing on historical and personal implications, unlike many textbooks that concentrate purely on theory.