Includes bibliographical references and index.

CONTENTS:
The "absolute truth" about dogmatism : historical background -- Old paths, new shoes : Rokeach's model and modern adaptations -- The personality puzzle : assembling the pieces -- Scarring the face of reason : influential factors that shape adult dogmatism -- Black-and-white thinking : cognitive characteristics of dogmatism -- Stir in color : emotional characteristics of dogmatism -- Add a little action : behavioral characteristics of dogmatism -- Meet Jonah : a developmental narrative of dogmatism -- Is humanity hardwired to short-circuit reason? : theories of evolution -- Biological beginnings : our neuronal hardware -- Permanent scars or temporary wounds? : dogmatism from the trait perspective -- The dogmatist in the crib : critical milestones of the first two years -- Digging deep into dogmatism : psychodynamic perspectives -- The bark of dogmatism : humanistic-existential contributions -- Nailing truth to the mat : cognitive-behavioral models and social learning theory -- Removing the nails : Buddhist philosophy -- Where to from here? : open-minded optimism.