This book is based on an in-depth 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 (100 books):

Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.