Believing in Magic

Play

Boyhood and the Judgment of Artistic Value

Stuart Vyse Ph.D on January 18, 2015

As viewers, we are not entirely unconscious dreamers. When we sleep we are often able to stand apart from the action of our dreams and recognize that the chaotic story we are witnessing is not real. This kind of double consciousness is always true of our experience of art. When we watch or read or listen to a fictional story, we know it is a fiction.

As viewers, we are not entirely unconscious dreamers. When we sleep we are often able to stand apart from the action of our dreams and recognize that the chaotic story we are witnessing is not real. This kind of double consciousness is always true of our experience of art. When we watch or read or listen to a fictional story, we know it is a fiction.

Fear

Halloween and the Mad Scientist Problem

Stuart Vyse Ph.D on October 23, 2014

In traditional portrayals, scientists are thought to have stolen forbidden knowledge from the gods or lost their humanity in some unholy Faustian bargain. Mary Shelley’s rarely remembered alternative title for "Frankenstein" was "The New Prometheus."

In traditional portrayals, scientists are thought to have stolen forbidden knowledge from the gods or lost their humanity in some unholy Faustian bargain. Mary Shelley’s rarely remembered alternative title for "Frankenstein" was "The New Prometheus."

Career

What if the Hot Hand Wasn't a Fallacy?

Stuart Vyse Ph.D on March 22, 2014

Three recent Harvard grads conducted a study that challenges 30 years of research and suggests that basketball players really do have hot streaks.

Three recent Harvard grads conducted a study that challenges 30 years of research and suggests that basketball players really do have hot streaks.

Magical Thinking

Denying Determinism

Stuart Vyse Ph.D on January 31, 2014

So why is human behavior so special? Does it make sense that we alone should stand apart from the rest of nature? Is it reasonable to think that humans possess a non-material mind that makes decisions for the material body but is itself not caused or determined by anything else? A ghostly entity floating above the ordinary clockwork of biology and physics.

So why is human behavior so special? Does it make sense that we alone should stand apart from the rest of nature? Is it reasonable to think that humans possess a non-material mind that makes decisions for the material body but is itself not caused or determined by anything else? A ghostly entity floating above the ordinary clockwork of biology and physics.

Magical Thinking

Five Reasons Why the Red Sox Grew Their Beards

Stuart Vyse Ph.D on October 26, 2013

The 2013 Boston Red Sox are famously bearded in an effort to bring on a winning season. Where does this kind of team superstition come from and can it possibly help?

The 2013 Boston Red Sox are famously bearded in an effort to bring on a winning season. Where does this kind of team superstition come from and can it possibly help?

Fear

Friday the 13th Wrap-up

Stuart Vyse Ph.D on September 19, 2013

The news media loves Friday the 13th, and this month was no exception. Some of the notable superstitions uncovered just in time for September 13.

The news media loves Friday the 13th, and this month was no exception. Some of the notable superstitions uncovered just in time for September 13.

Magical Thinking

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not

Stuart Vyse Ph.D on September 6, 2013

Normally we do everything we can to eliminate uncertainty in our lives, but sometimes, when we see no other way to control the situation, a magical roll of the dice can be just the thing we are looking for.

Normally we do everything we can to eliminate uncertainty in our lives, but sometimes, when we see no other way to control the situation, a magical roll of the dice can be just the thing we are looking for.

When we want something badly enough, we sometimes act as if we were wizards with magical powers. Why are we superstitious? What is the appeal of the paranormal? Is magical thinking good or bad?