What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Beliefs
6 snips
Dec 2, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of belief with insights from Professor Ryan McKay. Discover how identity and community shape our strongest convictions. Explore why changing health beliefs can be especially tricky, thanks to cognitive biases and emotional ties. Find out the difference between clinical delusions and widely accepted beliefs, and why these often feel so secure. Plus, learn strategies for gently shifting beliefs without triggering discomfort. A thought-provoking conversation on the intricate mechanics of belief awaits!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Personal Path Into Belief Research
- Ryan McKay describes his childhood in a semi-religious household and how it sparked his curiosity about belief systems.
- He became a militant atheist then pursued a PhD studying delusions, linking emotion to belief formation.
Delusions Are Socially Isolating
- Ryan defines clinical delusions as firmly held beliefs resistant to contrary evidence and often isolating from community norms.
- He contrasts delusions with socially scaffolded beliefs like religion or politics that gain support from communities.
Bias Shapes Risk Perception
- Humans carry cognitive biases that shape risk perception and decision-making, not always toward truth.
- Omission bias makes people view harms from action (like vaccinating) as worse than harms from inaction.