Books by Paul Bloom
Paul Bloom is the Brooks & Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology & Cognitive Science at Yale University. He is the author of Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion, Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil, and How Pleasure Works: The New Science of Why We Like What We Like. In 2017, he received the Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize for his investigations into how children develop a sense of morality.
“Serves as an accessible and highly readable overview of the field of psychology. It draws from his immensely popular introductory psychology class at Yale, reportedly one of the university’s most popular courses of all time. In it, he leads the reader through the work of early researchers (including Pavlov’s dogs and Skinner’s pigeons), into a discussion of the malleability of memory and emotion, and the complex questions surrounding consciousness. It would be perfect for the curious layman or a switched-on school leaver considering a degree in psychology.” Read more...
Notable Psychology and Self-Help Books of 2023
Cal Flyn, Five Books Editor
The Sweet Spot
by Paul Bloom
The Sweet Spot is by Yale psychologist Paul Bloom, author of How Pleasure Works. It's about happiness in the broadest sense (what might be called 'eudaimonia') and the part pain and suffering play in it. Bloom is constantly doing experiments and reading about experiments that others are doing on issues of happiness, morality, pleasure, pain etc. and the book is full of these. He then throws in quotes and views from literature—Shakespeare, the Epic of Gilgamesh, Brave New World), songs, Twitter. Even the acknowledgements are funny: "Daniel Gilbert deserves special mention for nearly persuading me that the whole idea of this book is deeply confused. (He did this once I had finished writing it—thanks, Dan!)"
Interviews with Paul Bloom
The best books on Cruelty and Evil, recommended by Paul Bloom
How do evil-doers justify their behaviour? A common view of evil sees dehumanisation as fundamental. Yale psychologist Paul Bloom argues, however, that the picture may not be so simple. The most callous acts of cruelty and evil involve recognising the human feelings of the victim, their ability to feel shame and humiliation.
Interviews where books by Paul Bloom were recommended
The best books on Essentialism, recommended by Susan Gelman
Putting people and things into categories is something we all do. It’s a useful shortcut but reveals biases. And it plays a role in everything from ethnic violence to childhood development, as psychologist Susan Gelman explains.
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1
Psych: The Story of the Human Mind
by Paul Bloom -
2
The Success Myth: Letting Go of Having It All
by Emma Gannon -
3
Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships
by Nedra Glover Tawwab -
4
Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life
by Dacher Keltner -
5
Data Baby: My Life in a Psychological Experiment
by Susannah Breslin
Notable Psychology and Self-Help Books of 2023, recommended by Cal Flyn
Notable Psychology and Self-Help Books of 2023, recommended by Cal Flyn
It’s that time of year again: January is the month to batten down the hatches, work off all those rich festive meals, and get to work on your new year’s resolutions. Understanding the workings of your own brain—theoretically or even in purely practical terms—can be an important tool for achieving your goals. Here our deputy editor spotlights some of the most notable psychology and self-help books published in 2023 to help you on your way.
