Abstract

Doob's central thesis is that some beliefs function mainly to help the believer cope with life's uncertainties. The coping mechanism that is the focus of Doob's book is a belief that certain things in life are inevitable.... Doob methodically explores the origin and nature of inevitablility beliefs, and like his pervious titles in social psychology, this is a theoretical analysis.... The book is well written and carefully organized but demanding to read; Doob attributes this to the inherent difficulty of the subject--he is probably right. Choice This book examines the ways in which human beings seek to cope with uncertainty by means of doctrines that postulate degrees of inevitability. These doctrines originate in natural science, social science, philosophy, and religion. Their adequacies and inadequacies are carefully assessed, with special reference to the ways in which they deal with intervention by the very persons who would reduce uncertainty. The possibility of intervention in turn raises questions concerning freedom and responsibility that challenge people in all societies and throughout the lifespan.