Hugo Mercier

Hugo Mercier, a cognitive scientist from the CNRS and author of "Not Born Yesterday," shares his insights on human gullibility and the misconception surrounding misinformation. He argues that people have evolved reasoning skills that promote beneficial communication rather than blind trust. The discussion covers how social context influences belief updates, the psychological dynamics of trust, and the potential impacts of AI on misinformation. Mercier challenges the prevalent view that gullibility and disinformation are major threats, emphasizing the perceptiveness of ordinary individuals.

Hugo Mercier, a cognitive scientist and author of "The Enigma of Reason," dives into the origins of human reasoning and its societal implications. He argues that our skepticism often fails, as we doubt non-conforming claims rather than radical ones. Mercier explores how reasoning shapes our beliefs, the influence of social dynamics on cult beliefs, and the importance of trust in communication. The discussion underscores the need for open-mindedness in a polarized world while navigating misinformation and understanding our cognitive biases.

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.

Hugo Mercier, a cognitive scientist at the Institut Jean Nicod, dives deep into the evolutionary roots of reasoning and its role in enhancing social interactions. He challenges traditional views by emphasizing reasoning's social function and its impact on collective intelligence. The discussion touches on biases in reasoning, the challenges in developing artificial general intelligence, and the importance of epistemic vigilance in today's misinformation landscape. Mercier also explores how expertise influences reasoning and the need for diverse viewpoints to enrich our understanding.

Exploring evolution of skepticism and communication dynamics, AI's impact on information quality, psychology of belief and vaccination hesitancy, open vigilance, and belief dynamics. Delving into why gullibility and misinformation are overrated.