Irrationality [Paperback]

Stuart Sutherland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 27, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1905177070 | ISBN-13: 978-1905177073 | Edition: 2nd

Why do doctors, generals, civil servants and others consistently make wrong decisions that cause enormous harm to others? Irrational beliefs and behaviours are virtually universal. In this iconoclastic book Stuart Sutherland analyses causes of irrationality and examines why we are irrational, the different kinds of irrationality, the damage it does us and the possible cures.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Terrifying, sometimes comic, very readable and totally enthralling (Oliver Sacks )

Extremely gripping and unusually well written (RICHARD DAWKINS )

About the Author

Stuart Sutherland was Professor of Psychology at the University of Sussex. A prolific columnist and contributor to the New York Times, he is best known for his books Irrationality and Breakdown.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Pinter & Martin Ltd; 2nd edition (February 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905177070
• ISBN-13: 978-1905177073
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #791,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Shockingly Revealing April 7, 2011

By Shakir

Format:Paperback

This book is one of the best researched and put-together books I've read in a very long time. I've always thought of myself as a rational and scientific. Well, I was wrong! The book is supported by studies and scientific papers all of which are cited and can be examined by the reader. I'm a physician. So, the evidence-based approach works very well for me. However, the book is not as dry as textbooks or articles found in scientific journals. It is also not a self-help book, although it gives a thorough insight about what you've considered rational behaviour. Highly recommended.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Common Sense is irrational June 1, 2011

By Kathy Balsley

Format:Paperback

"It gets at the heart of irrational thinking, and how common sense is often based on irrational thinking. It is very impressive how the author has been able to take voluminous amounts of research to build a case on why it is so challenging for humans to think and behave rationally.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful eye-opening book May 29, 2013

By Carlos Luna

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

A marvelous book that is both thought provoking and highly entertaining. After reading this book you will understand human nature in a entirely new way.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great prespectives and studies to back them. March 1, 2013

By Ramy A. Bolis

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book uncovers some huge misconceptions that the general public has. It proposes many studies and experiments that illustrate them. It uncovers situations in which irrationality thrives in. I highly recommend this book to all.

7 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Irrationality by Sutherland July 17, 2007

By Mete A. Sozen

Format:Paperback

A book that needs to be read by every person who wants to approach rationality.