Irrationality

This Element uses irrationality to illustrate cases that demonstrate the complexity and richness of our mental lives.

Ema Sullivan-Bissett (Author)

9781009641920, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 February 2025

84 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 0.5 cm, 0.14 kg

This Element surveys contemporary philosophical and psychological work on various forms of irrationality: akrasia, strange beliefs, and implicit bias. It takes up several questions in an effort to better illuminate these more maligned aspects of human behaviour and cognition: what is rationality? Why is it irrational to act against one's better judgement? Could it ever be rational to do so? What's going wrong with beliefs in conspiracy theories, those arising from self-deception, or those which are classed as delusional? Might some of them in fact be appropriate responses to evidence? Are implicit biases irrational when they conflict with our avowed beliefs? Or might they be rational insofar as they track social realities?

1. Introduction
2. What is Irrationality?
3. Akrasia
4. Strange belief
5. Implicit bias
6. Conclusion
References.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of mind [HPM]