Science Weekly
The science of ‘weird shit’: why we believe in fate, ghosts and conspiracy theories
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.
18:33
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Quick takeaways
- Anomalistic Psychology offers non-paranormal explanations for mysterious events, challenging supernatural beliefs.
- People tend to gravitate towards paranormal explanations due to cognitive biases and prior religious beliefs.
Deep dives
The Focus of Anomalistic Psychology on Explaining Paranormal Experiences
Anomalistic Psychology aims to provide non-paranormal explanations for seemingly paranormal events by exploring factors like memory unreliability, hallucinations, and cognitive biases affecting perception. This approach challenges the belief in supernatural forces by investigating psychological mechanisms that underlie unusual experiences.
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