Reasonable Thinking with Haydn McLean

“Ha Ha! Fooled Myself! Tripping Over Our Cognitive Biases”

Our minds don’t mean to, but they play tricks on us. Our minds want to make sense of the world and see patterns, sometimes where patterns don’t exist. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t make patterns where the don’t exist. Sometimes we prefer the wrong information to no information. Failing to recognize our own biases is a bias. Ignoring the obvious is called the ostrich effect, but it is also known as willful blindness and, in one case, had disastrous consequences. Does past history predict future success or failure? How does the survivorship bias shape how we view our lives? Has the fundamental attribution error shaped our assessment of ourselves or others?

Participants will receive a copy of “Twenty Cognitive Biases That Screw Up Our Decisions.” Also available, upon request and via email, are “Three Untrue Christian Cliches You’ve Probably Used (But Shouldn’t),” Rolf Dobelli’s “The Art of Thinking Clearly,” and Elizabeth Kolbert’s “Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds.”

Haydn McLean is a former pastor and a retired hospital chaplain, having worked at the Lancaster General Hospital, the Hershey Medical Center, and the Reading Hospital. A graduate of Lycoming College and Lancaster Theological Seminary, he has offered conflict resolution and is the author of several articles in a variety of periodicals. He and his wife reside in New Holland, Lancaster County.

Spirit on Tap’s purpose is to encourage theological discussion, explore alternative views, and stimulate dialouge around issues of faith, spirituality, and social justice. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Spirit on Tap is supported by your generous donations.