Open-Mindedness vs. Skepticism

Skeptics may encounter claims such as, "You need to be more open-minded and consider the possibility." In response, skeptics might counter, "If I asserted that leprechauns and fairies waltz in my garden nightly, would you believe me until I proved otherwise?"

Imagine I genuinely believe in these mythical creatures. After verifying my sincerity, would you accept my belief, or would you sensibly inquire, "Can you show me?"

"Certainly," I would reply, and together we would wait in my yard as the sun sets. However, despite our anticipation, no tiny figures materialize—only bats flitting about. When you ask about the absence of leprechauns and fairies, I might say, "Oh, they're invisible."

After some contemplation, you might suggest scattering flour to track footprints, to which I could respond, "They float and never touch the ground." Other ideas, like using an infrared camera to detect their body heat, would also be dismissed with the explanation that they possess magical qualities that evade detection.

Ultimately, you might conclude that my beliefs are irrational. Yet, if many of my neighbors share similar stories, passed down through generations, the absence of solid evidence remains unchanged, often reduced to vague rumors of fairy music or fleeting footprints.

You might then ask, "What convinces you of their existence?" I would explain, "I feel them in my heart, and they communicate with me in my dreams."

Does this scenario resonate with you?

Why Some Embrace Magical Thinking

So, what leads some individuals to adopt such fantastical beliefs, while others maintain a skeptical viewpoint? This isn't merely about rejecting the idea of magical beings; some genuinely do not believe in their existence.

To explore this further, let's delve into the science behind paranormal beliefs. A 2015 article from Scientific American titled "Why Do Some People Believe in the Paranormal?" offers intriguing insights into cognitive processes at play.

One illustrative example is a classic riddle: if a baseball and a bat cost $1.10 and the bat costs $1 more than the ball, how much does the ball cost? The intuitive answer might be $0.10, but this is incorrect. The ball actually costs $0.05, making the bat $1.05. Arriving at the correct answer requires analytical thinking rather than relying on instinct.

In essence, we all utilize both analytical and intuitive thinking. However, some individuals lean more heavily toward intuitive thought, making them more prone to supernatural beliefs.

Can we change our thinking styles?

A 2014 study published in the journal Cognition showed that prompting individuals to engage in analytical thinking can reduce belief in conspiracy theories. As we navigate life, we can oscillate between intuitive and analytical thinking, and we can learn to apply analytical thought when necessary.

While we often rely on intuitive thinking for everyday decisions, such as choosing a snack, extraordinary claims warrant a more critical approach.

Why does this distinction matter?

If you aim to embrace as many truths as possible while minimizing false beliefs, nurturing analytical thinking is essential, especially for extraordinary claims.

Believing in something unreal can have significant consequences. Our actions are often governed by our beliefs; even well-meaning individuals can engage in harmful behaviors if convinced they are justified.

A relevant example is the widely discredited claim of a stolen election—often referred to as "Trump’s Big Lie." This falsehood was perpetuated by media outlets aware of its inaccuracy, leading many to take drastic actions on January 6, with life-altering repercussions.

Moreover, those who predominantly rely on intuitive thinking without critical reflection may find themselves more susceptible to scams.

What influences our cognitive tendencies?

To further understand why some individuals gravitate toward intuitive thinking while others prefer analytical reasoning, consider a recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research on January 11, 2023.

This research examined the connection between sleep quality and paranormal beliefs, surveying 8,853 participants. The findings indicated that poorer subjective sleep quality correlated with increased belief in various supernatural phenomena, including the existence of ghosts and aliens.

We all recognize the importance of adequate sleep for cognitive function. Insufficient sleep can hinder analytical thinking, causing us to revert to intuitive judgments.

Conclusion

In summary, if you wish to enhance your analytical thinking abilities, prioritizing good sleep is crucial.

However, it's vital to remain vigilant; we can all be easily deceived. When confronted with extraordinary claims, pause and apply analytical thinking. Ask yourself questions like, "What motivates this claim?" and "What evidence supports it?"

Final Thought: "Let’s be cautious out there." (You might recognize this phrase as a nod to its origins.)

In this insightful video, "The Believing Brain: Evolution, Neuroscience, and the Spiritual Instinct," explore the intersection of belief, brain function, and the evolution of our understanding of the supernatural.

In the TEDx talk "Do Ghosts Exist?" Danny Robins and Sam Orams delve into the psychology behind ghostly encounters and the reasons behind our fascination with the paranormal.