[Chicago] Dr. Ivan Phillips and Dr. Ayala Leyser: “So, Just How ‘Rational’ Are We?”
Note: This is a global event that appears on all event calendars.
This is an AFTERNOON session. This replaces the December session that could not be held due to the UIC's unexpected closure that weekend.
How do you define rationality? (Hint: it's not the same thing as being logical.)
Most people like to think they're quite rational, and they can be offended by the suggestion that they're thinking irrationally. Yet, most people have a very poor understanding of what it means to think rationally. We all glow with "blind spots," which prevent us from being as rational as we think we are being. This is a serious problem, because it is difficult to convince another of his/her irrational beliefs if one first can't define what it means to be rational.
In this presentation, Ayala and Ivan will define what it means to be rational from philosophical and psychological perspectives. They will review the scientific evidence which shows that we may all be highly vulnerable to forming irrational beliefs in certain situations. They'll also discuss what the evidence says about human neuropsychology and evolutionary psychology.
Finally, they will describe some methods that can be used to overcome these biases and become more rational.
Please join us for this interesting meeting, featuring two of our own Members! This AFTERNOON session will include the main presentation, a Q&A session, and usually some additional time for a roundtable discussion! We provide the hot coffee, and we very much appreciate pastry and snack donations.
Non-CFI Members will be asked for a modest contribution.
Questions? Just call our (part time) office phone: 312-226-0420.
The CFI/Chicago is uniquely positioned to help you live a secular, inquiring, joyful life in Chicago. Join us, won't you? It's only $60 per year, and joining helps demonstrate your commitment to our shared values!
