#84 - A Primer on Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier
Apr 17, 2025
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Explore the intriguing idea that humans might not be as gullible as we think, with insights from Hugo Mercier's work. Listen in as the hosts dissect the evolution of communication and how it impacts social interactions. They question when people change their minds and delve into the balance between motivated reasoning and social conformity. Get ready for playful debates about stubbornness and belief formation, all peppered with fascinating animal examples that highlight the nuances of reliable communication.
Hugo Mercier argues that humans are less gullible than commonly thought, emphasizing their cognitive mechanisms for critically evaluating information.
The evolution of communication plays a crucial role in human interactions, highlighting the importance of reliable information sharing in social contexts.
Belief change occurs under specific conditions influenced by social dynamics, revealing the complexities of conformity and the impact of existing beliefs.
Deep dives
Transition to Substack
One of the hosts has transitioned his personal writing to Substack, named "Steps to Phoenicia," aiming for a more casual writing style. This move comes after years of pressure, reflecting frustrations over the need for polished essays that often stalled the writing process. The informal nature of Substack is seen as a way to encourage more frequent publication. This shift highlights the impact of format on creativity and motivation, illustrating how different platforms influence the writing process.
Discussion on Hugo Mercier's Work
The conversation shifts focus to Hugo Mercier's upcoming book "Not Born Yesterday," which serves to challenge the notion that humans are inherently gullible. The hosts express anticipation for a deep dive into Mercier's thesis, emphasizing that his work is grounded in social psychology. They aim to examine the complexities of human belief and decision-making, stressing the need for a nuanced understanding rather than a simple overview. The hosts believe that context and prior knowledge are crucial for engaging with Mercier's arguments effectively.
Gullibility and Human Reasoning
Mercier's argument centers around the idea that humans are less gullible than is commonly perceived; instead, they possess cognitive mechanisms that allow them to evaluate information critically. This perspective counters the popular belief that individuals blindly accept misinformation and propaganda. The discussion portrays gullibility as a misunderstanding of the underlying cognitive processes driven by evolutionary influences on communication. The hosts reflect on how these insights challenge their own views on human reasoning and societal dynamics.
Evolution of Communication as a Framework
The evolution of communication is a pivotal topic in Mercier's work, suggesting that reliable information sharing is vital for social interaction. Using examples from the animal kingdom, such as bowerbirds and gazelles, the idea is presented that honest signals are essential for maintaining credibility and fostering communication. This principle extends to human interactions, showcasing how the need for truthful exchanges evolves within competitive environments. Thus, understanding the evolutionary origins of communication provides a lens through which to evaluate modern societal beliefs and behaviors.
Mechanisms of Belief Change
Mercier outlines specific conditions under which individuals are likely to change their beliefs, underscoring the influences of social dynamics and trustworthiness of sources. These mechanisms include the plausibility of new information aligning with existing beliefs and its reinforcement within social contexts. While good arguments can prompt thought shifts, the tendency to conform to group beliefs remains strong. The hosts suggest that understanding these dynamics can help explain phenomena like conspiracy theories and populist rhetoric, ultimately leading to a deeper comprehension of societal trends.
Some thoughts (arguments?) on Hugo Mercier's Not Born Yesterday, which advances the thesis that humans are not as gullible as is commonly thought. This is our second episode on Mercier's work, and we're as intrigued as ever. But this time we have different interpretations of his thesis, so it's a good thing the man himself is coming on soon to sort us out.
We discuss
If humans are less gullible than is commonly believed
Evolution of Communication Theory
Gazelles jumping in the air
Are humans too stubborn? Is one of your hosts who shall go unnamed too stubborn?
When do humans actually change their minds?
Does Mercier's work conflict with Popper?
How much of our reasoning is motivated reasoning? How much is social conformity?
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