Cognitive Mechanisms of Belief Change

Belief change lies at the heart of all human aspirations. From career progression, weight loss, spiritual commitment, and ideological passion, to love, grief, war, identity, and sport, beliefs guide our lives and to a great extent, determine our success, satisfaction and happiness. Cognitive Mechanisms of Belief Change is relevant to anyone interested in the machinations of how this occurs. It explains how certain ideas and concepts steal a place in the mind because they latch on to hardwired ways of thinking, experiencing, and behaving. Concepts throw light upon the mind’s desires, which in turn casts a kaleidoscope of silhouettes against the walls of thought, with those taking distinct shape forging the outlines for beliefs to inhabit. Beliefs infiltrate our minds, and this book shows how they arrive and change in ways critical to our sense of meaning and identity.

Aaron Smith is Professor in the Graduate School of Business and Law, College of Business at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Australia. He has research interests in the management of psychological, organisational and policy change, has authored 16 books, over 100 articles, and consulted to more than 120 industry clients concerning these issues.