Darwinian evolution is described in terms of goals and strategies, and rationality-inspired concepts are used in decision-theory and game-theory. Does this use reflect a bias? Maybe something like hyperactive agency detection? Or is it a natural and justifiable way to describe biological phenomena? Samir argued that the truth is somewhere in between these two positions.
Agential thinking is important because it suggests unity of purpose, a single goal. If the traits of the same organism pull in different direction then the use of agential thinking or intentional talk is not legitimate. Agential attributions presuppose rationality and unity of purpose, coherence, and similarly to treat an organism as an agent requires consistency of purpose: traits need to have complementary not antagonistic functions.
Lisa Bortolotti (University of Birmingham), pictured below, presented a paper summarising some of the findings from project PERFECT and the Costs and Benefits of Optimism project, and argued that so-called positive illusions have several benefits for agency despite their epistemic irrationality. As previously discussed on the blog, she showed that increased wellbeing and socialisation (which are correlated with positive illusions) contribute to supporting an agent's motivation to pursue her goals. Moreover, the illusion of control (that we can control external events) and the illusion of superiority (that we are better than average in a number of different domains) contribute to enhancing the sense of oneself as a competent and efficacious agent.
Lisa Bortolotti (University of Birmingham), pictured below, presented a paper summarising some of the findings from project PERFECT and the Costs and Benefits of Optimism project, and argued that so-called positive illusions have several benefits for agency despite their epistemic irrationality. As previously discussed on the blog, she showed that increased wellbeing and socialisation (which are correlated with positive illusions) contribute to supporting an agent's motivation to pursue her goals. Moreover, the illusion of control (that we can control external events) and the illusion of superiority (that we are better than average in a number of different domains) contribute to enhancing the sense of oneself as a competent and efficacious agent.
As usual with BSPS annual meetings, the conference was a success. The open sessions featured scholars debating a variety of interesting topics, from key issues in the philosophy of physics to long-standing issues in the philosophy of psychiatry, and the audience was very engaged throughout the event.
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