Reason and scientific method

Biology. 2025/01/28

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In this episode, we talk with cognitive scientist Hugo Mercier about the topic of reasoning - what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Hugo is a co-author of The Enigma of Reason (with Dan Sperber) and author of Not Born Yesterday. Here, we discuss why reason evolved, the good and bad sides of reasoning, and how our biases - like confirmation bias and motivated reasoning - affect us. Hugo helps us unpack ideas like the argumentative theory of reasoning, the dual-process theory, and whether reasoning is better for competition or collaboration. We also talk about how to fight misinformation, train our reasoning abilities, and embrace intellectual humility.

About the guest

Timestamps

  • 00:00:00 Introduction

  • 00:01:36 What's your understanding of reason?

  • 00:05:37 What about science?

  • 00:08:10 Can we say that reason is an evolved property of evolution?

  • 00:12:50 Can using the scientific method lead to better reasoning?

  • 00:30:30 Does the role of language play an important part in understanding how reason works?

  • 00:33:40 Do you think cooperation is the key to the evolution of reasoning?

  • 00:35:12 What characteristics make reason evolve?

  • 00:37:45 If cooperation is key, why does reason misfire?

  • 00:39:40 What do you think about rationality? Is it another special form of reasoning?

  • 00:42:45 Are there different processes, like unconscious and conscious levels, that matter when it comes to reasoning?

  • 00:51:55 Can reasoning be trained?

  • 00:56:34 What do you think about misinformation, and how is it linked to education?

  • 01:05:10 What is the difference between information and misinformation?

  • 01:08:48 Does the type of media matter?