Overview
Syllabus
Intro
ADE 651 bomb detector
A Type II error: believe that the rustle in the grass is just the wind when it is a dangerous predator (high cost).
The Evolution of Patternicity
Patternicity, Superstition, Control
Neuroleptics: Drugs used to reduce or eliminate psychotic behavior (paranoia, delusions, hallucinations) block receptors for dopamine (DA antagonists). Psychosis = dopamine. Amphetamines & Cocaine: DA agonists lead to euphoria, creativity, rapid patternicity
DA signal-to-noise ratio Too low: Type II errors Just right: creativity Too high: madness
The Impossible Crate Illusion
Jerry Andrus' 3D Impossible Crate
What is the difference between... the Wind & a Dangerous predator? The wind is inanimate, a dangerous predator is an intentional agent.
Agenticity The tendency to infuse patterns with meaning, intention, and agency, often invisible beings & from the top down.
Souls, spirits, ghosts, gods, demons, angels, aliens, intelligent designers, government conspiracists, and all manner of invisible agents with power and intention are believed to haunt our world and control our lives.
Agenticity & Conspiracies
JFK Conspiracies
Major General Dr. James Whinnery, USAF G-Force Loss of Consciousness in Pilots
Dr. Michael Persinger's Neuroscience Lab The "God Helmet" bombards temporal lobes with electromagnetic fields
Taught by
TED