Choose to be Curious
Ep. #166: Conspiracy Theories, Magical Thinking & Curiosity, with Eric Oliver
Apr 6, 2022
Political scientist and University of Chicago professor Eric Oliver joins the host to explore the allure and impact of conspiracy theories. They discuss the prevalence of belief in conspiracy theories, the connection between curiosity and uncertainty, and how conspiracy theories relate to understanding oneself. They also draw analogies between curiosity and swimming, and discuss how curiosity can be cultivated and protected.
28:00
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Quick takeaways
- Curiosity contributes to the initial attraction and growth of conspiracy theories by addressing uncertainty and validating anxiety.
- Conspiracy theories exploit innate shortcuts in our brains, such as heuristics, to maintain their influence over time.
Deep dives
The Appeal of Conspiracy Theories
The podcast explores the appeal of conspiracy theories, highlighting how they validate and address the anxiety people feel from uncertainty. Conspiracy theories such as chemtrails, birtherism, and COVID-19 have gained significant attention in recent years. It is suggested that curiosity may contribute to the initial attraction of these theories and their growth. The host speaks with Eric Oliver, a professor of political science, who has conducted extensive research on conspiracy theories. Oliver's research reveals a correlation between belief in conspiracy theories and supernatural or paranormal beliefs. It is noted that both conspiracy theories and magical beliefs can be classified as forms of intuitive or magical thinking.
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