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Throughout history, humans have attempted to influence and control the thoughts of others. Since the word 'brainwashing' was coined in the aftermath of the Korean War, it has become part of the popular culture and been exploited to create sensational headlines. It has also been the subject of learned discussion from many disciplines: including history, sociology, psychology, and psychotherapy. But until now, a crucial part of the debate has been missing: that of any serious reference to the science of the human brain. Descriptions of how opinions can be changed, whether by persuasion, deceit, or force, have been almost entirely psychological.
In Brainwashing, Kathleen Taylor brought the worlds of neuroscience and social psychology together for the first time. In elegant and accessible prose, and with abundant use of anecdotes and case-studies, she examines the ethical problems involved in carrying out the required experiments on humans, the limitations of animal models, and the frightening implications of such research. She also explores the history of thought-control and shows how it persists all around us, from marketing and television, to politics and education.
This edition includes a new preface from the author reflecting on the uses of brainwashing today, including by the Islamic State.
Preface
Part 1: Torture and seduction
1: The birth of a word
2: God or the group?
3: The power of persuasion
4: Hoping to heal
5: 'I suggest, you persuade, he brainwashes'
6: Brainwashing and influence
Part 2: The traitor in your skull
7: Our ever-changing brains
8: Webs and new worlds
9: Swept away
10: The power of stop-and-think
11: That freedom thing
Part 3: Freedom and control
12: Victims and predators
13: Mind factories
14: Science and nightmare
15: Taking a stand
Notes
References
Further reading
Glossary
Index
Description
Throughout history, humans have attempted to influence and control the thoughts of others. Since the word 'brainwashing' was coined in the aftermath of the Korean War, it has become part of the popular culture and been exploited to create sensational headlines. It has also been the subject of learned discussion from many disciplines: including history, sociology, psychology, and psychotherapy. But until now, a crucial part of the debate has been missing: that of any serious reference to the science of the human brain. Descriptions of how opinions can be changed, whether by persuasion, deceit, or force, have been almost entirely psychological.
In Brainwashing, Kathleen Taylor brought the worlds of neuroscience and social psychology together for the first time. In elegant and accessible prose, and with abundant use of anecdotes and case-studies, she examines the ethical problems involved in carrying out the required experiments on humans, the limitations of animal models, and the frightening implications of such research. She also explores the history of thought-control and shows how it persists all around us, from marketing and television, to politics and education.
This edition includes a new preface from the author reflecting on the uses of brainwashing today, including by the Islamic State.
