History Daily Saturday Matinee: Trapped History
Aug 23, 2025
Join Chris French, Emeritus Professor and psychologist known for 'The Science of Weird Shit', as he dives into the dazzling world of magic and skepticism. Discover the fascinating life of magician James Randi, a champion of truth who exposed deceptive practices. French discusses the psychology behind belief, detailing how cognitive dissonance impacts our acceptance of paranormal claims. Explore the ethical dilemmas performers face and the balance between entertainment and integrity. Get ready for a mind-bending journey through truth, illusion, and the complexities of belief!
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Why Magic Mesmerizes And Menaces
- Magic fascinates because it feels like witnessing a glitch in the universe and combines story, showmanship, and mystery.
- Those same manipulation skills can be dangerous when used by charlatans to exploit hope and trust.
Teen Randi Exposes A Preacher
- At 15 James exposed a preacher using the 'one ahead' trick and was jailed by the outraged congregation.
- That incident taught him people often prefer comforting deception over being told they're fooled.
Belief Beats Contradictory Evidence
- People resist evidence that contradicts deeply held beliefs because cognitive dissonance threatens self-identity.
- Rejecting the challenger preserves the believer's worldview more easily than admitting error.
