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

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

About the lecture series: This public lecture series has been taking place for 20 years now, featuring scientists from the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities as well as from its seven sister academies. The lectures are aimed at a broad audience to provide insights into the research. Afterward, attendees have the opportunity to engage in conversation with the scholars over pretzels and wine in the Academy’s Hofgarten.

We are grateful that the vhs Heidelberg also helps promote the series.