Elliot Aronson, preeminent psychologist of the 20th century, discusses his pioneering work on making mistakes and cognitive dissonance with Adam Grant. They explore the dangers and upsides of rationalizing beliefs and strategies for making better decisions. They also discuss the practice of inviting TAs as guest lecturers and the lessons in persuasion. The guest shares valuable insights on choosing a life partner and the importance of rationality.

Elliot Aronson, preeminent psychologist, discusses his pioneering work on cognitive dissonance and rationalization. They explore the dangers of self-justification and strategies for better decision making. The podcast also touches on the power of vulnerability in teaching, the importance of persuasion and innovation in office supplies, reflections on career choices, the significance of practical work in psychology, and the keys to a happy marriage.

Elliot Aronson, a legendary social psychologist known for the Jigsaw Classroom, and his son Joshua Aronson, an NYU Associate Professor focused on stereotype threat, engage in a fascinating dialogue. They reflect on their influential book, The Social Animal, and examine the significance of rigorous, honest research in social psychology. The duo critiques the Stanford Prison Experiment, discusses innovative educational strategies like the Jigsaw Classroom, and emphasizes the value of mindfulness in fostering supportive learning environments.

Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson, esteemed social psychologists and co-authors of 'Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me),' delve into the intricacies of cognitive dissonance. They explore how our brains naturally seek self-justification, impacting decision-making and societal norms. Through real-life examples, such as infamous legal cases, they illustrate the dangers of ignoring contradictory evidence. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intellectual honesty and critical thinking to navigate ethical dilemmas and promote personal growth.

Exploring cognitive dissonance and biases, Carol Tavris discusses how our need to justify our beliefs leads to rationalization and mistreatment of others. She highlights the fallibility of human memory and cultural variations in handling cognitive dissonance. Strategies for navigating critical thinking and engaging with differing viewpoints are also explored, emphasizing the importance of objectivity and compassion.