Hear This Idea #80 – Dan Williams on How Persuasion Works
13 snips
Oct 26, 2024 Dan Williams, a philosopher at the University of Sussex and associate fellow at the University of Cambridge, dives into the intricacies of belief formation and misinformation. He discusses why reasoning often fails us and likens bad ideas to ‘mind viruses.’ The conversation explores the concept of luxury beliefs as social signals and debates if AI will enhance belief accuracy or deepen misinformation. Williams also examines the effectiveness of fact-checking and the complexities of navigating a polarized marketplace of ideas, emphasizing the challenges in changing entrenched beliefs.
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Social Reasoning
- Humans reason poorly because they prioritize social goals over truth.
- Reasoning is used to persuade, manage reputation, and signal group membership.
Cultural Reasoning
- Giving reasons for decisions is culturally universal, but what constitutes a "good" reason varies.
- Cultures differ in which domains they apply reason to, like cosmic questions or daily life.
Recommended Reading: The Secret of Our Success
- Read The Secret of Our Success.
- This book highlights the importance of culture in human evolution.
