492: Michael Shermer | Why We Believe Weird Things

Belief Formation

Michael Shermer explains that belief formation is deeply rooted in our subconscious, where sensory data is processed to form patterns and causality. This subconscious processing is essential for survival, as it helps us quickly connect actions with outcomes, like classical conditioning 1. He also highlights how genetic predispositions influence our political and religious beliefs, as people gravitate towards groups that align with their temperament and worldview 2. This genetic inclination melds with cultural influences, shaping our moral and ideological identities 3.

It's all subconscious, of course. You know, data comes in through our senses and we begin to form patterns, find patterns.

--- Michael Shermer

Jordan Harbinger adds that understanding these processes can enhance critical thinking and self-awareness.

   

Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias plays a significant role in reinforcing beliefs, as Michael Shermer notes that our brains are wired to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs 4. This bias is fueled by dopamine, which rewards us when our beliefs are validated, creating a cycle that's difficult to break 5. Shermer illustrates this with experiments showing how people interpret information based on preconceived notions, such as political affiliations affecting perceptions of policy proposals 6.

Absolutely, of course, it feels good to have your beliefs confirmed. "I knew I was right. I knew it. I knew it."

--- Michael Shermer

This highlights the challenge of overcoming biases to achieve a more balanced understanding of reality.

   

Motivated Reasoning

Motivated reasoning is another cognitive process that Michael Shermer describes as our tendency to justify beliefs by selectively gathering supporting evidence 7. This process is akin to a lawyer defending a client, where the client is our belief system, and contrary evidence is often ignored 8. Shermer emphasizes that even scientists are not immune to this bias, but the scientific method is designed to mitigate it through rigorous protocols and blind testing.

Our brains are wired to be more like lawyers than scientists, that is to marshal evidence, to support your clients and the metaphor of the client is our beliefs and to ignore the evidence that doesn't fit.

--- Michael Shermer

This underscores the importance of critical thinking and scientific inquiry in challenging our assumptions and beliefs.