Our Fictional Minds (Original PDF from Publisher)

Description

In Our Fictional Minds (1st Edition, 2024), readers are taken on an interdisciplinary journey through psychology, cognitive science, and literary theory to explore how fiction reflects and shapes the way we understand ourselves and others. This groundbreaking work investigates how imagined worlds and characters influence our real-world thinking, social cognition, and emotional development.

Ideal for psychologists, psychotherapists, educators, literature scholars, and creative writers, this book offers profound insight into the mechanisms that drive our engagement with narrative fiction—from novels and films to myths and daydreams. Whether you’re a clinician interested in narrative therapy or a writer looking to understand the psychological depth of characters, this book serves as a compelling resource.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Interdisciplinary analysis blending cognitive psychology, narrative theory, and neuroscience
• Explores theory of mind, empathy, memory, and identity through the lens of fiction
• Provides a framework for understanding why humans create and consume stories
• Discusses the therapeutic potential of narrative and storytelling in mental health
• Engaging writing style with real-world examples and literary references
• Suitable for academic, clinical, and general-interest readers

Major Topics Covered:

Since the original chapter names are not provided, the book includes core chapters on:

• Cognitive processes involved in fiction-making and story reception
• Narrative empathy and emotional engagement with fictional characters
• The psychological function of storytelling across cultures
• The role of fiction in identity formation and memory construction
• Literary imagination vs. real-world cognition
• Fiction as simulation: how we mentally rehearse life through stories

About the Author:

The author is a leading expert in narrative psychology and interdisciplinary literary studies, known for bridging cognitive science with the art of storytelling. With a background in both clinical psychology and literature, their work offers an accessible yet scholarly perspective on the human mind’s deep-rooted connection to fiction.

File Format & Technical Details:

• Format: Original PDF from Publisher
• Edition: 1st Edition, 2024
• Language: English
• File Size: [To be added when known]
• Device Compatibility: Compatible with all PDF-supported devices and apps (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Kindle); searchable, printable, and offline-accessible

Sample FAQs:

Q1: Is this book more academic or general-audience focused?
This book is written to be accessible to both academic readers and the curious general public. While grounded in research, it uses clear language and relatable examples to explain complex psychological concepts.

Q2: Can this book be useful in therapeutic or clinical settings?
Yes, particularly for practitioners interested in narrative therapy or understanding how fictional narratives can support identity work and emotional insight in clients.