The search for the underlying connections in the world that lie behind events and observable phenomena is undoubtedly a fundamental human need and one of the driving forces behind scientific progress. However, when people adopt unrealistic beliefs that contradict accepted facts and scientific findings as firm convictions, this can have serious consequences. For instance, conspiracy theories often lead to severe conflicts within social circles, even resulting in the severing of social ties. Esoteric medical beliefs can lead to necessary treatments being neglected. This lecture will therefore explore, from a psychological perspective, why and how such beliefs arise. It will present current psychological findings regarding the underlying processes and personality traits associated with the adoption of conspiracy theories and unscientific beliefs.

About the Author: Dr. Martin Gerchen studied psychology in Göttingen and San Diego and earned his Ph.D. in Heidelberg. He is a research group leader at the Central Institute for Mental Health in Mannheim and studies neurocognitive processes using functional brain imaging. He is a WIN Fellow at the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities co-director of the WIN project “Heterodoxies” (internal link).

About the lecture series: For 20 years now, this public lecture series has been taking place, featuring presentations by scholars from the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities well Academy of Sciences and Humanities from its seven sister academies. The lectures are aimed at a broad audience and are designed to provide insights into the research being conducted. Afterward, there will be an opportunity to chat with the scholars over pretzels and wine in the Academy’s courtyard garden.

We are grateful that the vhs Heidelberg is also promoting the series.