Science Weekly The science of ‘weird shit’: why we believe in fate, ghosts and conspiracy theories
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Apr 4, 2024 Psychologist Chris French discusses the psychology behind paranormal beliefs and conspiracy theories, exploring cognitive biases and evolutionary factors influencing our attraction to supernatural phenomena. The conversation delves into the challenges of changing minds, navigating skepticism, and engaging with believers in debates.
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The Lost Ring
- Chris French's sister-in-law, Jane, experienced an unbelievable coincidence in Greece.
- A stranger in a cafe identified a ring found in the sea as her father's, lost 40 years prior, with the engagement date inscribed.
Why We Believe Weird Shit
- People turn to fantastical explanations due to prior beliefs and cognitive biases.
- Our brains evolved to prioritize threat detection, leading to an intentionality bias, assuming events have intentions towards us.
The Mathematics of Coincidence
- Coincidences, while improbable, are not impossible and occur daily due to probability.
- Our fascination with them stems from the possibility of underlying connections, not irrationality.