Increments #84 - A Primer on Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier
Apr 17, 2025
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.
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Communication Needs Reliability
- Communication evolved to be reliable, even between competitors, to ensure survival and cooperation.
- Honest signals maintain trust and prevent communication breakdowns in social and evolutionary contexts.
Bowerbirds and Honest Signaling
- Male bowerbirds build elaborate nests to signal fitness to females.
- Other males police these signals by removing excess berries to keep communication honest.
Open Vigilance Governs Belief Change
- Humans possess open vigilance: being vigilant yet open to useful new information.
- We change beliefs when arguments are plausible, socially reinforced, and from trusted sources.
