Reason and scientific method | Hugo Mercier | Reason with Science

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Jan 28, 2025

In this engaging conversation, cognitive scientist Hugo Mercier, author of "Not Born Yesterday," explores the evolution and function of reasoning. He reveals how biases like confirmation bias shape our thinking. Mercier dives into the dual-process theory and the importance of argumentation in improving decision-making. He dispels myths about gullibility, sheds light on storytelling's role in reasoning, and discusses training techniques to enhance critical thinking. The conversation emphasizes collaboration over competition in scientific discourse and the need for intellectual humility in the face of misinformation.

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INSIGHT

Reason's Purpose

Reason evolved for arguments, not solitary thinking.
Biases hinder solo reasoning but aid arguments, leading to better decisions through discussion.

INSIGHT

Science's Use of Reason

Science leverages reason's strengths through constant argumentation among scientists.
This process, combined with empirical evidence, drives scientific progress.

INSIGHT

Reason as an Evolved Trait

Reasoning is an evolved, universal human ability, present in all cultures.
It develops through social interaction, starting in early childhood.

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In this episode, we talk with cognitive scientist Hugo Mercier about the fascinating topic of reasoning - what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Hugo is a co-author of The Enigma of Reason (with Dan Sperber) and author of Not Born Yesterday. Here, we discuss why reason evolved, the good and bad sides of reasoning, and how our biases - like confirmation bias and motivated reasoning - affect us. Hugo helps us unpack ideas like the argumentative theory of reasoning, the dual-process theory, and whether reasoning is better for competition or collaboration. Plus, we explore how to fight misinformation, train our reasoning abilities, and embrace intellectual humility.

Guest info:

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/hugomercier/

X: https://x.com/hugoreasoning?lang=en

Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=hugo+mercier&btnG=

Episode links:

Website: https://reasonwithscience.com/reason-and-scientific-method-with-hugo-mercier

Youtube: https://youtu.be/SJUoyZKGPIc?si=-lsc5R2BuVBBQIj0

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k5xiHUJsahSsGJCS33f00?si=9421bc7b341d436f

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-and-scientific-method-hugo-mercier-reason/id1641776894?i=1000686324801

YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUoyZKGPIc&si=LL0RrAovldZgQV_i

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Apple podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reason-with-science/id1641776894 ⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLila1Jm-QEwKu4xXtNpYFAsSDmPR9mlZB&si=5ehXeZhZ-z181G5b

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:36 What's your understanding of reason?

00:05:37 What about science?

00:08:10 Can we say that reason is an evolved property of evolution?

00:12:50 Can using the scientific method lead to better reasoning?

00:30:30 Does the role of language play an important part in understanding how reason works?

00:33:40 Do you think cooperation is the key to the evolution of reasoning?

00:35:12 What characteristics make reason evolve?

00:37:45 If cooperation is key, why does reason misfire?

00:39:40 What do you think about rationality? Is it another special form of reasoning?

00:42:45 Are there different processes, like unconscious and conscious levels, that matter when it comes to reasoning?

00:51:55 Can reasoning be trained?

00:56:34 What do you think about misinformation, and how is it linked to education?

01:05:10 What is the difference between information and misinformation?

01:08:48 Does the type of media matter?