The Pattern Behind Self-Deception

Explore the psychological mechanisms behind human belief in strange phenomena in this TED talk. Delve into how two fundamental survival skills of the brain can lead to self-deception and belief in unusual concepts like alien abductions and dowsing rods. Learn about patternicity, agenticity, and their roles in shaping human beliefs and behaviors. Discover the connection between dopamine levels and pattern recognition, and how this relates to creativity and psychosis. Examine fascinating examples, including the Impossible Crate Illusion and conspiracy theories, to understand how the brain processes information and creates meaning. Gain insights into the neuroscience behind religious experiences and the perception of invisible agents controlling our lives.

Intro
ADE 651 bomb detector
A Type II error: believe that the rustle in the grass is just the wind when it is a dangerous predator (high cost).
The Evolution of Patternicity
Patternicity, Superstition, Control
Neuroleptics: Drugs used to reduce or eliminate psychotic behavior (paranoia, delusions, hallucinations) block receptors for dopamine (DA antagonists). Psychosis = dopamine. Amphetamines & Cocaine: DA agonists lead to euphoria, creativity, rapid patternicity
DA signal-to-noise ratio Too low: Type II errors Just right: creativity Too high: madness
The Impossible Crate Illusion
Jerry Andrus' 3D Impossible Crate
What is the difference between... the Wind & a Dangerous predator? The wind is inanimate, a dangerous predator is an intentional agent.
Agenticity The tendency to infuse patterns with meaning, intention, and agency, often invisible beings & from the top down.
Souls, spirits, ghosts, gods, demons, angels, aliens, intelligent designers, government conspiracists, and all manner of invisible agents with power and intention are believed to haunt our world and control our lives.
Agenticity & Conspiracies
JFK Conspiracies
Major General Dr. James Whinnery, USAF G-Force Loss of Consciousness in Pilots
Dr. Michael Persinger's Neuroscience Lab The "God Helmet" bombards temporal lobes with electromagnetic fields