5 books to give a psychologist at Christmas

Christmas is coming and with it is the time to buy and give engagement gifts. We know that the need to give is there because there is an industry that has placed these dates on our calendar, we also know that we have the rest of the year to give gifts and we realize that not all gifts have to be bought... And, without embargo, our behavior on these dates always ends up being disappointingly predictable.

Psychology books to give away

As in almost all situations, there is a lesser evil. In this case this lesser evil can be, for example, give (or give yourself) a book. Books are always a good gift. What better way to unite the material and the spiritual than to make use of a product from which knowledge can be drawn?

Thinking of those vindictive Christmas heroes who run the risk of going out at the last minute to buy any book Dragged by remorse and consumerist impulses, we present a list with five perfect titles for those people interested in psychology.

1. Proust and Neuroscience: A Unique Vision of Eight Fundamental Artists of Modernity, by Jonah Lehrer

Eight parallels drawn between artistic processes and the discoveries that science makes about our mind. The grace is not so much in seeing how some artists advanced scientists in a certain way (recognizing the advances made by the imagination in matters It is still very subjective) but in learning certain fundamentals of brain function thanks to its comparison with the notion of memory that I had Marcel proust, the formation of the structure of language in the works of Gertrude stein, the recognition of the mind-body connection by Walt whitman, etc.

In all these topics, a very accessible explanation is offered about the scientific proposals of these eight cases and their artistic expression by the authors. More information here.

2. Cerebro y Libertad, by Joaquín M. Fuster

Interesting meeting point between science and the humanities. Based on the materiality of the brain and the body, Joaquín M. Fuster delves into philosophical arenas to challenge the idea that the brain dominates our behavior just like a software computer scientist masters the operation of a computer.

The issue of human freedom and free decision-making is addressed here based on data provided by scientific research. More information here.

3. The Book of Psychology, various authors

Following the same stylistic line as the rest of the titles The book of… from AKAL publishing house, this book is actually a review of the history of psychology (with its successes and errors) from Galen to the end of the 20th century. It also offers a visual solidity and a type of graphics that make it perfect for quick consultations about authors, psychological principles, theories, etc.

Very good option for people who are starting in the study of this discipline. More information here.

4. The Universe of Consciousness. How Matter Becomes Imagination, by Gerald M. Edelman and Giulio Tononi

In a similar way to how Fuster's book does, this extremely interesting book sets out to grasp a particularly abstract concept. In this case, the conscience, something private and infinitely subjective. The physical mechanisms that are carried out in our body will be explained so that it appears to us, in a way almost magical, an experiential scene that only belongs to us and that seems to have continuity in time.

It does require, yes, an attentive and thoughtful reading, especially in its last third. More information here.

5. Think Fast, Think Slow, by Daniel Kahneman

Two ways of thinking: System 1, intuitive, emotional, and fast, and System 2, logical, rational, and slow. Behind this simple explanatory scheme, one of the very few Nobel Prize-winning psychologists he gives us a tour through what we know about our modes of thought, our way of managing these ways and the consequences that all this can have on our lives, human relationships and even the economy.

A best-seller from which you can learn a lot while having a good time. More information here.

2015 edition of books on psychology to give away

You can check the 2015 ranking, here.