The Honest Liar: Episode #7

4.8.2010

Bruce M. Hood discusses why so many people believe in the supernatural despite the lack of evidence, explaining that it may have something to do with how our brains are wired. He draws a distinction between religious supernatural beliefs, which are culturally determined, and more universal secular supernatural beliefs such as mind-body dualism and causality. He explains how such magical thinking may be socially advantageous and how even skeptics engage in supersense thinking. He also warns against the unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of what is a natural disposition in the majority of people.

In this week’s Honest Liar segment, Jamy Ian Swiss explains what he learned at the 1964 World’s Fair.

And for further reading:
The Forer Effect: http://www.skepdic.com/forer.html

The Barnum Effect: http://www.skepdic.com/barnum.html

Graphology: http://www.skepdic.com/graphol.html