What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things? (Dan Ariely)
Nov 7, 2023
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Dan Ariely, behavioral economist and bestselling author, joins Michael Shermer to discuss disinformation, misbelief factors, the role of complex stories, social proof, and the influence of others on our beliefs. They also explore social media companies' responsibility for disinformation and what it would take to change their minds.
Beliefs are shaped by social identity and the need for belonging.
Conspiracy theories often provide complex and elaborate narratives.
Understanding the complexities of the opioid epidemic is crucial for balanced pain management.
Deep dives
Beliefs and Misbeliefs
The podcast discusses the concept of beliefs and misbeliefs, exploring why people hold certain beliefs that may not align with reality or expert opinions. The discussion highlights the role of social identity and the need for belonging in shaping beliefs and the challenges of confronting misbeliefs.
The Complexity of Conspiracy Theories
The episode delves into the complexity of conspiracy theories, highlighting that they are often not simple explanations but rather intricate and elaborate narratives. It examines the psychological and social factors that drive people to believe in conspiracy theories and explores how the need for order and explanations in a chaotic world can lead to the embrace of such theories.
The Opioid Epidemic and Pain Management
The podcast also touches upon the topic of the opioid epidemic, emphasizing the complexity of the issue. It shares personal experiences with opioids, acknowledging their effectiveness in managing pain but also recognizing the risks of addiction. The discussion explores the balance between providing pain relief and preventing addiction, as well as the importance of understanding the human experience of pain and its role in our lives.
Importance of Death Doulas and Good End of Life
Death doulas, also known as end-of-life doulas, play a crucial role in providing holistic care and support to patients during the final stages of their lives. These professionals address various aspects, including spiritual, social, and emotional needs, to ensure a person experiences a good end of life. Through interactions with death doulas, patients have expressed the importance of four key elements for a good end of life: pain reduction, maintaining dignity, feeling surrounded by love, and leaving a legacy. Palliative care physicians also emphasize the attainability of these elements. It is crucial to engage in discussions and preparations for end-of-life experiences in advance to ensure these elements are fulfilled and maximize the quality of life during the final chapter.
The Role of Rationality and Misbelief
Rationality and misbelief are complex facets of human cognition. While individuals possess the capacity for rationality, various factors can influence the prevalence of irrational beliefs. Personality traits and inclinations, such as trusting intuition or patterns, can impact susceptibility to misbelief. Additionally, stress and a sense of personal injustices can lead to complex stories and the development of beliefs that externalize blame. The importance of intellectual humility and the ability to explore opposing viewpoints with curiosity is highlighted in facilitating meaningful and open discussions. By acknowledging our inherent irrational nature, we can work towards building a world that accommodates and mitigates the potential risks of misbelief.
Tickets for our December event available now: https://skeptic.com/event
Shermer and Ariely discuss: What is disinformation and what should we do about it? • How do we know what is true and what to believe? • virtue signaling one’s tribe as a misbelief factor • the role of complex stories in misbelief • emotions, personality, temperament, trust, politics, and social aspects of belief and misbelief • the funnel of belief • social proof and the influence of others on our beliefs • a COVID-23 pandemic • social media companies responsibility for disinformation • What would it take to change your mind?
Dan Ariely is the bestselling author of Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty. He is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University and is the founder of the Center for Advanced Hindsight. His work has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and elsewhere.
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