Benedict Carey, who covers mental health issues for the New York Times, has written a revealing article about magical thinking, or why some people believe that their thoughts can affect events outside of their control. It turns out that there are some solid psychological and neurological explanations for superstition.
It seemed a little light on neurophysiology (drat!), but it was a fun read. Quirks *always* make for a fun read.
Posted by Tim McCormack on 24 January 2007 @ 6pm
Today’s witchcraft may be tomorrow’s science. These superstitious rituals may be the way we nibble around the edges of a reality that’s incomprehensibly more complex than our present perception of it.
When I hear physicists talk about string theory, quantum mechanics, and multi-verses, I can’t help but think that our hide-bound perception of reality is likely our best way of keeping our bodies alive and well and passing on our DNA, but it blinds us to the larger picture.
Posted by Janis Jaquith on 24 January 2007 @ 6pm
Funny, when I hear scientists talk about string theory, I think “Today’s science may be tomorrow’s witchcraft.”
Posted by Tim McCormack on 25 January 2007 @ 1am
‘Funny, when I hear scientists talk about string theory, I think “Today’s science may be tomorrow’s witchcraft.”’
Ha! Very funny! (Because you may be right.)
Posted by Janis Jaquith on 25 January 2007 @ 9am
Waldo Jaquith (JAY-kwith) is a website developer and political pundit who lives in the vicinity of Charlottesville, VA, USA. more »
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