Chapter
Rationality and Conspiracy Theories
21:55 - 39:40 (17:44)
The concept of expected utility theory or rational choice theory provides a guideline for making the best choice under risky situations, but conspiracy theories and other unfalsifiable beliefs often subvert rationality due to their contagious and moralistic nature. However, people tend to rationalize their decisions by finding evidence to support their choice, rather than admit they made the wrong decision.
Clips
The Expected Utility Theory suggests that individuals should multiply the probability of each outcome by its cost or benefit to choose an option with the highest expected utility.
21:55 - 39:40 (17:44)
Rationality
Summary
The Expected Utility Theory suggests that individuals should multiply the probability of each outcome by its cost or benefit to choose an option with the highest expected utility. Conspiracy theories are tricky to refute because they are designed to evade our cognitive immune system and are often moralistic with an identifiable villain.