Bruce Hood Books
Bruce Hood is a British experimental psychologist and professor of developmental psychology in society at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on the cognitive processes underlying self-identity, social behavior, and the development of belief systems.
Known for: The Self Illusion: How the Social Brain Creates Identity
Books by Bruce Hood
The Self Illusion: How the Social Brain Creates Identity
In this thought-provoking work, cognitive neuroscientist Bruce Hood explores how our sense of self is not a fixed, independent entity but rather a construct shaped by social interaction and the brain’s interpretive processes. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, Hood argues that the self is an illusion—an emergent property of the brain’s need to make sense of the world and our place within it.
Read SummaryKey Insights from Bruce Hood
The Nature of the Self
For centuries, thinkers have assumed the existence of an inner core—the soul, ego, or rational mind—that remains constant despite change. This essentialist view of identity dominated Western thought from Descartes onward, when he declared, “I think, therefore I am.” Yet as we explore the cognitive m...
From The Self Illusion: How the Social Brain Creates Identity
The Brain’s Construction of Reality
Our brains do not record reality like a camera. They actively build it, filtering and interpreting sensory input. Every time you open your eyes, billions of neurons compete and cooperate to generate a coherent picture of the world and your place within it. This process inevitably fills gaps with ass...
From The Self Illusion: How the Social Brain Creates Identity
About Bruce Hood
Bruce Hood is a British experimental psychologist and professor of developmental psychology in society at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on the cognitive processes underlying self-identity, social behavior, and the development of belief systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bruce Hood is a British experimental psychologist and professor of developmental psychology in society at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on the cognitive processes underlying self-identity, social behavior, and the development of belief systems.
Read Bruce Hood's books in 15 minutes
Get AI-powered summaries with key insights from 1 book by Bruce Hood.