The first details the typical thinking patterns of conspiracy believers. The study asserts that "... each of [the believer's] convictions about secret plots serves as evidence for other conspiracy beliefs, bypassing any need for confirming evidence." These beliefs critically depend on "selective skepticism": conspiracy believers don't trust information from the government (or other suspect sources), but interestingly, they will accept any source that supports their existing views. Conspiracy believers also frequently interact with like-minded people, suggesting that “conspiracy thinkers constitute a community of believers.”
These folks typically believe that they are uniquely able to find “the truth,” and convey it to others in the hope of impacting the larger community. They are also more likely than usual to jump to conclusions based on limited evidence. “It seems likely that conspiratorial beliefs serve a similar psychological function to superstitious, paranormal and, more controversially, religious beliefs, as they help some people to gain a sense of control over [the] unpredictable."
The fact is that we become significantly and emotionally attached to our beliefs: our very sense of self and ground for morality is entwined with them, and we have the ability to generate elaborate rationalizations for them, easily appealing to unjustified evidence.
I believe a relevant question for us to examine is to what extent we exclude ourselves and our own beliefs from these conclusions. It seems to me that religious beliefs could easily be inserted into this discussion -- in fact, the writers of these studies assume that relevance. Are those of us with spiritual convictions really immune to the trap of believing what compels us from fear of the larger unpredictable world? Are we willing to objectively examine what we hold true? I'm increasingly convinced that this is exactly what is required for us to move forward as a local and global community, and no small number are engaged in precisely that.
These folks typically believe that they are uniquely able to find “the truth,” and convey it to others in the hope of impacting the larger community. They are also more likely than usual to jump to conclusions based on limited evidence. “It seems likely that conspiratorial beliefs serve a similar psychological function to superstitious, paranormal and, more controversially, religious beliefs, as they help some people to gain a sense of control over [the] unpredictable."
The second discusses the ways that we maintain false beliefs. The researchers discovered very strong support for the concept of "motivated reasoning," a now-familiar idea in which people unconsciously seek out information that confirms what they already think, instead of rationally examining evidence that confirms or disproves a particular belief. The study concludes that "... for the most part people completely ignore contrary information."
The fact is that we become significantly and emotionally attached to our beliefs: our very sense of self and ground for morality is entwined with them, and we have the ability to generate elaborate rationalizations for them, easily appealing to unjustified evidence.
I believe a relevant question for us to examine is to what extent we exclude ourselves and our own beliefs from these conclusions. It seems to me that religious beliefs could easily be inserted into this discussion -- in fact, the writers of these studies assume that relevance. Are those of us with spiritual convictions really immune to the trap of believing what compels us from fear of the larger unpredictable world? Are we willing to objectively examine what we hold true? I'm increasingly convinced that this is exactly what is required for us to move forward as a local and global community, and no small number are engaged in precisely that.
7 comments:
A Christian would have to be obliviously pompous to exclude himself from the findings of that study. In fact I think that everyone is inclined to this type of behavior when it comes down to how we define ourselves. Take politics for example. If I define myself as a Libertarian, then I will avoid any idea that challenges the Libertarian point of view. I have friends who refuse to listen or give any credence to the opinion of people who don't align themselves with the same political party. When you sit down and talk rationally with them you can get them to admit that one side is just as crooked and self-seeking as the other, but the moment a political argument starts, the blinders go up and cackles are raised and it's time to fight to the death for your party. After all, it's who we are. I noticed that I could enjoy watching football a lot more if "my" team wasn't playing. When "winning" (or, in the political/religious arena, "being right") becomes everything then learning, enjoying, growing becomes nothing.
Hmm, and hmm.
I am a conspiracy believer. But I must say, I think it's ridiculous to assert that believing in conspiracies gives one a sense of control over the unpredictable. It would be much easier to believe that the government was doing exactly what it says it's doing, etc. Believing in conspiracies opens the door to any manner of insecurity- I never feel "safe", I always wonder what the authorities are really up to. Sometimes I think I see what, sometimes I just notice that it doesn't add up.
But the really important thing here is that "rational" thought can be a hinder as much as a help in finding and following truth. After all, everything you think or believe is a pattern you observe or imagine in the bunch of dots that is reality, and you might as well accept the one that feels true.
My personal experience is that you have to believe just because you believe, and belief leads to proof, but never the kind that you can put under a microscope.
Howdy, Brendar.
I should add that I do, in fact, feel safe, but only when I remember that my fate is in other hands than the slimy ones it appears to be caught in, along with most of the rest of the world.
Silent martians make me very nervous.
From Jeanne:
"the really important thing here is that 'rational' thought can be a hinder as much as a help in finding and following truth. After all, everything you think or believe is a pattern you observe or imagine in the bunch of dots that is reality, and you might as well accept the one that feels true."
Very interesting! I'd like to hear more about this one. I think you should apply you poetic prowess and blog on it yourself ...
"Obliviously pompous" describes some whom I have met. Including me some of the time ...
I agree that I am pompous, just not to the point of oblivion.
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