Liberating the Mind - by Linda Elder (Paperback)

About the Book

Critical thinking leader Linda Elder reveals sociocentric and egocentric thinking as foundational obstacles to thinking. Dissecting the very core of how humans learn, think, and choose to act, Liberating the Mind shows us how to free ourselves from dysfunctional patterns and a...

Book Synopsis

Throughout history, thinkers within every part of society have been crippled by an ingrained bias toward their own views and the views of their preferred social groups. As these dangerous egocentric and sociocentric tendencies continue to pose the greatest threat to the advancement of rational societies, Liberating the Mind reveals a way forward.

Dissecting the core of how humans naturally learn, think, and choose to act, internationally recognized critical thinking leader Linda Elder illuminates root causes of dysfunctional thought andshows us how to free ourselves from both selfishness and groupthink through explicit tools of rationality. This instant intellectual classic offers a cohesive, integrated theory of mind that takes into account pathological tendencies shared by all humans, while offering a clear path toward the cultivation of fairminded critical thinking throughout the world. Elder illuminates how, by taking the intrinsic problems in our thinking seriously, we can follow the example of Socrates and live the examined life, even in times of upheaval and doubt.

Review Quotes

"Sociocentrism is a useful concept, embracing a host of ways in which we fail to give sufficient weight to the interests of those beyond the borders of our own group. I hope this book will stimulate readers to think critically about their sociocentric prejudices." --Peter Singer, philosopher and author of Animal Liberation and Ethics into Action

"In this bracing book, Linda Elder delineates the destructive power of in-group bias and the inability to see the world from other points of view. A practical tool for those looking to free their minds." --Doug Merlino, author of The Hustle

"Thinking for ourselves may be the most difficult and courageous thing that we can learn to do. Liberating the Mind is the best guide I've read on that topic." --Ethan Watters, author of Crazy Like Us

In this bracing book, Linda Elder delineates the destructive power of in-group bias and the inability to see the world from other points of view. A practical tool for those looking to free their minds.

Sociocentrism is a useful concept, embracing a host of ways in which we fail to give sufficient weight to the interests of those beyond the borders of our own group. I hope this book will stimulate readers to think critically about their sociocentric prejudices.

Thinking for ourselves may be the most difficult and courageous thing that we can learn to do. Liberating the Mind is the best guide I've read on that topic.

About the Author

Dr. Linda Elder is an educational psychologist and internationally recognized authority on critical thinking who has taught both psychology and critical thinking at the college level. She has been president of the Foundation for Critical Thinking and the executive director of the Center for Critical Thinking for 25 years. She has a special interest in the relation of thought and emotion, as well as the cognitive and affective and has developed an original theory of the stages of critical thinking development. Elder has coauthored four books on critical thinking, as well as all 23 titles found in the Thinker's Guide Library.