Crystals are part of a larger tradition of metaphysical religions that have a long history in the U.S.
Articles on Beliefs
Displaying 21 - 40 of 60 articles
Overcoming conspiracy theories isn’t just about information. A scholar of religion explains that the emotions they inspire are part of their appeal.
Friendships can end for many reasons, like a betrayal of trust or changing circumstances. The pandemic has highlighted fundamental belief differences between people, which has affected relationships.
Critical thinking means seeking out new information – especially facts that might run contrary to what you believe – and being willing to change your mind. And it’s a teachable skill.
People tend to stick with their stated beliefs. But here’s how external forces like vaccine mandates can push people to do something they don’t want to do – and provide some face-saving cover.
‘Hustle culture’ is so pervasive in U.S. society that not even the coronavirus pandemic could shake the urge to prioritize productivity.
Science denial is not new, but researchers have learned a lot about it. Here’s why it exists, how everyone is susceptible to it in one way or another and steps to take to overcome it.
In both ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, reflected images were thought to hold mysterious powers. Damaging a mirror was believed to invite the wrath of the gods.
A professor of religious studies argues that describing QAnon followers as brainwashed overlooks their role in accepting and spreading potentially dangerous beliefs.
Cognitive scientists are investigating the ways relative factors like new options and the order they’re presented influence your choices and beliefs.
These medical volunteers have been closely associated with several kinds of non-human actors, whose behaviour is worth examining in more detail.
Cognitive shortcuts help you efficiently move through a complicated world. But they come with an unwelcome side effect: Facts aren’t necessarily enough to change your mind.
Talking with people who hold different political views doesn’t have to be an exercise in futile rage. Here are some tips to help you peacefully and fruitfully discuss spicy topics.
When you ask Americans what the word ‘science’ brings to mind, a majority respond ‘hope.’ Using this built-in brand can help communicate important science messages.
For many children, the anticipation of Santa’s imminent journey down the chimney to deliver gifts is nothing but magical.
The Santa myth tells us more about adults than children.
Superheroes may be able to regenerate and fly through walls, but their supernatural qualities differ from those of spiritual beings that attract religious devotion.
Convictions are where beliefs meet identity. But that can lead to trouble. Our supercharged politics make giving up a conviction feel like an act of self-betrayal and a betrayal of our tribe.
Three classic examples of the “Mandala Effect” debunked.
Veganism is not a religion, and nor is belief in Santa Claus. So why are Christianity, Islam and Buddhism classed as religions?
Top contributors
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Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Cognitive and Parapsychology, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Professor in Applied Cognitive Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Professor of Psychology, Hope College
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Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Director, Center for Public Interest Communications, University of Florida
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Research Scientist, UCLA Center for Behavior, Evolution, & Culture, University of California, Los Angeles
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Professor of Philosophy of Science, King's College London
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Research Fellow, Coventry University
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Professor Emeritus of Cognitive NeuroImaging, Aston University
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Senior Lecturer in Philosophy , University of Sussex
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Assistant Professor of Psychology (Perception and Cognition), Indiana University
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Senior Lecturer in Bioethics, Australian National University
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Psychologist and Programme Leader, University of Salford
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Psychologist and Programme Leader, University of Salford
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Director of External Research for frank, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida