France Bleu Provence is a partner of the conference by Thierry Ripoll, professor of psychology at Aix-Marseille University, “Why do we believe? A psychology of beliefs” organized by Les Amis de la Méjanes on Thursday October 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Méjanes Library in Aix-en-Provence.
The reason for our decisions
This conference will focus on the phenomenon of belief: magical beliefs, religious beliefs, popular beliefs, conspiracy and all kinds of beliefs that are dear to us and that are often the reason for our decisions. There is something fascinating about our ability to believe even when we sometimes have so little empirical or theoretical evidence to support our beliefs. This is probably one of the most remarkable traits of our humanity, undoubtedly a specificity of the human brain: even the great apes, so close to us in all respects, do not seem to be able to develop the type of beliefs that are ours. .
Belief and conspiracy
Beliefs are necessary for our lives. They can also be deleterious, liberticidal and represent a real danger for credulous individuals. When they very frankly take precedence over our rationality, especially when it comes to organizing life in society, the danger is great and it awaits us. The current rise of populism and extremism stems from the irrationality of our beliefs and risks plunging us into new totalitarianisms. Understanding why we believe is beneficial to guard against this risk.
Meet on Thursday October 6 at 6.30 p.m., Salle Jules Isaac, at the Méjanes Library, 8 rue de Allumettes in Aix-en-Provence.
To know more it is here