The psychology of reasoning

Aims

This course aims to:

• explain the psychological and evolutionary processes involved in the formation of beliefs
   
• explain the cognitive processes involved in reasoning and decision making
   
• explore the evolutionary processes involved in perception leading to bias in reasoning

Content

This course explores how evolution has shaped the human mental processes in the formation of beliefs, assessment of information and decision making. We will explore how these features can be ruthlessly exploited by advertisers, scammers, politicians and religious leaders to influence and manipulate opinions and beliefs.

Presentation of the course 

The course will be delivered in a classroom and consists of lectures and discussions.

Course sessions

1. Thinking, reasoning and intelligence are not the same thing
   This session starts by providing an overview of the course and progresses to explain the difference between the concepts of intelligence, rationality and reasoning. It then introduces you to the different types of reasoning (Deductive, Inductive, Abductive) and the errors mental errors that often occur shaped by the evolutionary factors that form the human brain.
    
2. Are humans rational? Evolution of rationality from animals to humans
   Aristotle claimed that humans are a rational animal, but was he right? In this session you will explore the concept of rationality and its evolutionary origins. 
    
3. Origins of bias and how they influence decision making
   This session explains the biological origins of cognitive bias and how they influence our decision making and beliefs. For example, what is the meaning of stereotyping and its implications in our social interactions.
    
4. Examples of the most common cognitive bias and how they influence our beliefs
   This session offers a list of examples of the most common cognitive bias and provides space to discuss how they influence our decision making in most aspects of our life from simple decision about mundane issues, to political choices and religious beliefs.
    
5. Integration and discussion
   This session provides a space to bring to the table themes for debate. The themes will be provided in the first lecture giving you an opportunity to vote on one and use the acquired knowledge applying a critical analysis of the subject and each other’s opinions.

Learning outcomes

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course. 

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• to become aware of your own biases and how they influence irrational decision making
   
• to understand the evolutionary origins of the many cognitive biases that influence human beliefs
   
• to explore strategies to overcome such bias and think more rationally

Required Reading

There is no required reading for this course.

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.