The Book Case

"The science says ...," "Follow the science...," "The best evidence shows..." -- all phrases that became ubiquitous during the outbreak of CVD-19. But, was this actually science or scientific? In this episode, Scott and Dan review two magazine articles published recently in Harper's Magazine on the use and misuse of science in public policy and psychotherapy.

What ails the world? Too little or too much rationality? A lack of curiosity or failure to face facts?In this episode of the Book Case, Dan and Scott review two top selling books, each emphasizing a different solution for what ails the world and human interactions. Should you "take two" and call us in the morning, or read neither.Listen in for the answer! Here are the books reviewed (or mentioned) in the bookcase:1. Rationality (Pinker): https://amzn.to/3IiSjSs2. In Awe (O'Leary): https://amzn.to/3IgOL2Y3. Heart and Soul of Change (Hubble et al.): https://amzn.to/3WQgeg24. Rational Choice in an Incertain World (Dawes): https://amzn.to/3WBgNKS

In this episode of "The Book Case," Dan and Scott review two recent books about conflict and polarization. Both go far beyond the "othering" and "blaming" typical of volumes on this subject, providing a research-based explanation and evidence-based steps for reducing conflict and improving cooperation between people and groups with divergent beliefs and opinions.

Dan and Scott return with two books on love. The first, by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm, was published 66 years ago. The latter, "The Course on Love," a novel. Both are timely volumes on the status of interpersonal relationships in our time. The Course on Love: https://amzn.to/3rt14j7The Art of Loving: https://amzn.to/3SDUnH4

In this Book Case, Dan and Scott review two recent books about the pandemic. Each offers a different, scientifically-based take on the successes and failures of pandemic policy. Special focus is placed on addressing the impact of treating the last two years as a virus rather than human-factors problem.The books:1. Pandemia by Alex Berenson (https://amzn.to/3HVQGrA)2. The Premonition by Michael Lewis (https://amzn.to/3bzcsVK)3. The Fifth Risk (https://amzn.to/3NpG7hq)

Dan and Scott return to discuss two books. The first is what many consider the most authoritative volume on psychotherapy: The Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change. Published in multiple editions since the late 1970's, these massive volumes review the evidence about "what works," separating fluff and nonsense from facts. The second book is, "Ghost Hunters," Deborah Blum's delight history of the search for life after death. What, you might reasonably ask, could these vastly different books have in common? Listen and learn!Here are the links to the books:Handbook: https://amzn.to/3mBNfwbGhost Hunter: https://amzn.to/3aVfMKN