Being Social

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Roy Baumeister, Professor of Psychology at the University of Queensland. This extensive conversation explores Roy Baumeister’s unique combination of biological and psychological thinking from recognizing essential energetic factors involved with willpower and decision-making, to framing free will in evolutionary biological terms to measuring the numbness associated with social rejection as a form of analgesic response, and more.  


This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Human Animal, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:


Psychology, Eventually - Third time lucky

A Discipline Evolves -  The changing fashions of social psychology

The Energetic Agent - Yet another reason to eat more ice cream

A Philosophical Digression - Mind, brain, and the difference between them

Free Will - Incorporating cultural factors into our decision-making

Cultural Distinctiveness - And its relevance

Numbed By Rejection - More than just a metaphor




About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: 

This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.