| ID | 125208 |
| Title Proper | Reality check |
| Other Title Information | the hazards of optimism |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Laqueur, Walter |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Psychological factors have always played a decisive role in the assessment of political trends. Yet until recently they have not been analyzed. Now neuroscientists (rather than political scientists) are talking about optimism and pessimism bias. According to their findings, most people tend to see the political glass as at least half full. As Tali Sharot writes in her recent book The Optimism Bias, "A growing body of scientific evidence points to the conclusion that optimism may be hardwired to the human brain." Another school of cognitive scientists sees the main danger in being too much influenced by negative conclusions when faced by ambiguous social and political situations. In the words of a recent issue of American Scientist devoted to the subject of optimism and pessimism, "A negative bias can construct a more hostile worldview than if a person's focus tends to lands of friendly faces." |
| `In' analytical Note | World Affairs US Vol. 175, No.6; Mar-Apr 2013: p.75-82 |
| Journal Source | World Affairs US Vol. 175, No.6; Mar-Apr 2013: p.75-82 |
| Key Words | Optimism ; Pessimism ; Politcal Scientists ; Islam ; Asia ; America ; Public Opinion Polls ; Europe ; Arab Spring ; Human Brain |