Open Minds Book Club Spring 2022

Thursday, April 14, 2022
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

In Suspicious Minds , Rob Brotherton decodes the psychology, history, and consequences of conspiracism, and delves into the research that offers insights into why so many of us are drawn to implausible, unproven and un-provable conspiracy theories. They resonate with some of our brain's built-in quirks and foibles, and tap into some of our deepest desires, fears, and assumptions about the world.

Conspiracy theorists do not wear tin-foil hats (for the most part). They are not just a few kooks lurking on the paranoid fringes of society with bizarre ideas about shape-shifting reptilian aliens running society in secret. They walk among us. They are us. Everyone loves a good conspiracy. Yet conspiracy theories are not a recent invention. And they are not always a harmless curiosity.

The fascinating and often surprising psychology of conspiracy theories tells us a lot--not just why we are drawn to theories about sinister schemes, but about how our minds are wired and, indeed, why we believe anything at all. Conspiracy theories are not some psychological aberration--they're a predictable product of how brains work. This book will tell you why, and what it means. Of course, just because your brain’s biased doesn’t always mean you’re wrong. Sometimes conspiracies are real. Sometimes, paranoia is prudent. Help us close out the Winter semester with the Open Minds Book Club!

Please order or request your copy of Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories by Rob Brotherton by Monday, March 28, to allow time for shipping and to enjoy the reading before the discussion. Members of the Hauenstein Center and Grand Valley State University students will receive a free copy with registration.

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Location Information

GVSU University Club
107C Richard M. DeVos Center
401 Fulton St W
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Free parking is available in the Seward Ramp.

Contact Information

[email protected]
(616) 331-2770

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This event was added to the calendar by Allie Goeddeke (goeddale@gvsu.edu) on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 and was last updated on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 1:57 p.m.

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