Evolution of Cognitive Biases (asking the AI)

[dmm]

"Are there evolutionary models which try to explain why the tendency to engage in self-deception and other numerous cognitive biases are not pruned away by evolutionary selection?"

Comments

[dmm]

https://chat.openai.com/share/5e8949eb-0217-4074-ad6a-c470135e541a

[dmm]

Yes, there are evolutionary models and theories that attempt to explain why tendencies like self-deception and cognitive biases have not been eliminated by evolutionary selection. These theories view these traits not as maladaptive errors, but as adaptive features that have evolved because they confer certain benefits or solve specific problems. Here are a few key concepts and theories in this area:

1. Adaptive Self-Deception: Some theories propose that self-deception can be adaptive in social contexts. By convincingly deceiving oneself, an individual might be better able to deceive others, which can be advantageous in situations that involve competition or cooperation. For example, if a person truly believes they are more competent or valuable than they actually are, they might be more persuasive or charismatic, leading to social or reproductive advantages.

2. Error Management Theory: This theory suggests that certain cognitive biases might be the result of evolutionary trade-offs in decision-making. In situations where the cost of a false negative (not detecting something that is present) is much higher than the cost of a false positive (detecting something that isn't there), it might be adaptive to err on the side of caution. This can explain biases like the tendency to see patterns where none exist (pareidolia) or to infer agency in random events.

3. Social and Group Dynamics: Some biases, like in-group favoritism or out-group hostility, may have evolved because they foster group cohesion and cooperation within social groups. These traits can enhance survival and reproductive success in a group-living species like humans.

4. Cognitive Resource Allocation: Cognitive biases might also be a byproduct of the brain's attempt to manage its resources efficiently. Our cognitive system has limitations, and biases like heuristics or default assumptions can be seen as mental shortcuts that save time and energy.

5. Mismatch Theory: This perspective argues that many cognitive biases are maladaptive byproducts of a mismatch between our current environment and the environment in which our cognitive systems evolved. Traits that were once adaptive in a hunter-gatherer setting might not be as beneficial in a modern, complex society.

6. Communication Theory: Some researchers have suggested that certain forms of self-deception can facilitate more effective communication. For instance, if a person genuinely believes their own lies or exaggerations, they can communicate them more convincingly, which might have had survival or reproductive advantages in evolutionary history.

These theories are not mutually exclusive and might each explain aspects of why cognitive biases and self-deception persist in human psychology [...]

[juan_gandhi]

Аплодисменты! An amazingly good explanation.

Один из факторов можно усилить, добавив, что религия очень даже помогает старейшинам управлять молодежью. С детства заставив их верить в какую-нибудь смутную фигню.

[dmm]

Да, это можно дописать в

3. Social and Group Dynamics: Some biases, like in-group favoritism or out-group hostility, may have evolved because they foster group cohesion and cooperation within social groups. These traits can enhance survival and reproductive success in a group-living species like humans.

"group cohesion", это оно и есть