One of the leading hypotheses in cognitive science is the claim that cognitive processes are aimed at optimal results prescribed by the norms of Bayesian decision theory. However, this view faces the problem of explaining how people arrive at irrational beliefs, such as conspiracy theories about cellular 5G networks being the cause of the Covid-19 virus, despite abundant evidence against their plausibility. In this colloquium, we will discuss recent literature on rationality, gullibility, and conspiracy theories, accompanied by guest talks from renowned scholars from philosophy, psychology and related fields to investigate the question why people believe weird things.
- Kursleiter/in: Nina Laura Poth
- Kursleiter/in: Tobias Schlicht
Semester: WT 2024/25