Cognitive Sciences of Skepticism
The application of cognitive science—psychology, neuroscience, cognitive anthropology—to understand the cognitive processes underlying skeptical attitudes and practices. It investigates how people evaluate evidence, how they distinguish credible from incredible claims, how cognitive biases shape skeptical or credulous tendencies, and how skepticism is learned and deployed. It also explores the neural correlates of doubt and the developmental trajectory of skeptical thinking.
Example: “Cognitive sciences of skepticism research found that self‑identified skeptics, like believers, showed confirmation bias—they were quicker to spot flaws in arguments they disagreed with than in arguments they favored.”
Cognitive Sciences of Skepticism by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 24, 2026
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