Conspiracy or Truth - A neuroscience perspective
How do we know what the truth is?
Right now there is so much out in the public domain that is either rated conspiracy or truth telling that I thought it may be interesting to have a deep dive into this subject.
The neuroscience of conspiracy or truth is a compelling area that explores the psychological and neurological factors behind why some people are more inclined to either doubt or support societal norms, information, theories and/or understandings.
Research suggests that a combination of personality traits, cognitive biases, and environmental factors contribute to this phenomenon.
Another aspect of the neuroscience of conspiracy that needs to be considered is the role of memes and neural network attractor states in the brain.
Memes, in this context, are bits of information that can rapidly embed themselves in the neural connections structure of the brain.
The representation of these memes may act as neural network attractor states, linking them with the formation of schemas or blueprints of how an individual functions within society.
This suggests that the propensity to consider alternative theories to the societal narrative could be influenced by genetic determination, cognitive capacity, and affective reactions.
Neural network attractor states are a fundamental concept in computational neuroscience and are used to model how the brain processes and stores information.
An attractor state is essentially a stable pattern of neural activity that can be reached from different initial conditions. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Attractor Networks: Attractor networks are types of recurrent neural networks that evolve over time toward a stable pattern or state.
These networks are characterised by their ability to converge to a pattern that represents a memory or a specific response to inputs.
Types of Attractors:
Fixed Point Attractors: These are single states that the network settles into. They are often used to model associative memory, where each fixed point represents a stored memory.
Cyclic Attractors: These involve the network evolving toward a set of states in a repeating cycle, which can model rhythmic activities or patterns.
Chaotic Attractors: These are complex patterns that never repeat exactly but are bounded within a certain region of the state space. They can represent complex, dynamic systems.
Continuous Attractors: These allow for a range of states and can model things like the encoding of spatial location or direction.
Dynamics of Attractor Networks: The dynamics of an attractor network are governed by the connections between neurons. The network’s state space is the set of all possible states of the network, and the attractor space is the subset of states that the network evolves toward.
The trajectory of the network consists of the set of states along the path as the network converges toward the attractor state. The basin of attraction is the set of initial states that will lead the network to a particular attractor.
Applications: Attractor networks have been used to explain various neuronal processes such as associative memory, where the network can recall a memory from a partial or noisy cue. They are also used to model motor behaviour and have applications in machine learning, particularly in biologically inspired algorithms.
Biological Plausibility: Recent research has proposed that attractor networks could implement finite state machines (FSMs) within biological neural networks. This means that the brain could use attractor dynamics to perform state-dependent transitions, which is a powerful mechanism for cognitive processes.
Neural network attractor states are a way of understanding how the brain might organise and recall information.
They provide a framework for modeling memory, perception, and other cognitive functions, and they continue to be an active area of research in both neuroscience and artificial intelligence.
Why is this important when speaking about the neuroscience of conspiracy?
The concept of neural attractor networks is primarily a theoretical framework used to understand how the brain processes and stores information.
It is not directly related to the manipulation of public minds.
However, consider this -
The principles behind attractor networks can be metaphorically applied to understand how certain ideas or beliefs can become entrenched in a society.
In the context of public opinion and social dynamics, ideas or beliefs can spread and become stable within a community in a way that’s somewhat analogous to how attractor states work in neural networks.
Here’s a simplified explanation:
Social Attractor States:
Information Spread: Just as neurons in the brain strengthen their connections through repeated activation, ideas can become more entrenched in a community as they are shared and discussed more frequently.
Stable Beliefs: Over time, certain beliefs can become stable within a group, much like how certain patterns of neural activity represent stable memories or thoughts.
Influence and Persuasion: The spread of information through social networks can be influenced by various factors, including media, propaganda, and influential figures, similar to how external inputs can affect the state of a neural network.
Potential for Manipulation:
Echo Chambers: Social media algorithms can create echo chambers, reinforcing certain beliefs by showing individuals content that aligns with their existing views, similar to how attractor networks can reinforce specific patterns of activity.
Propaganda: Deliberate dissemination of information can shape public opinion, akin to training a neural network to recognise and stabilise certain patterns.
It’s important to note that while these analogies can be useful for understanding social dynamics, actual manipulation of public minds involves complex social, psychological, and political factors that go beyond the scope of computational neuroscience.
The use of neural attractor networks as a metaphor for social influence highlights the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in discerning information and forming independent opinions.
It’s crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential for manipulation and to seek out diverse sources of information to avoid falling into cognitive traps that can lead to the entrenchment of unfounded beliefs.
Let’s think about cognitive dissonance and how this fits with conspiracy or truth.
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a person holds contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours, causing discomfort that they are motivated to reduce.
The mechanisms of cognitive dissonance involve several strategies people use to alleviate the mental tension caused by these inconsistencies.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary mechanisms:
1. Changing Beliefs or Attitudes: People may change one or more of their beliefs or attitudes to make them consistent with their other beliefs or behaviours. For example, if someone believes that eating healthy is important but eats fast food regularly, they might change their belief about the importance of healthy eating to reduce dissonance.
2. Changing Behaviours: Alternatively, individuals might change their behaviour to align with their beliefs. In the previous example, the person might start eating healthier foods to match their belief in the importance of a healthy diet.
3. Adding New Cognitions: Adding new information or cognitions can help to justify conflicting behaviour or beliefs. For instance, a person might justify eating fast food because they believe it’s the only option available during a busy work schedule.
4. Minimising the Importance of the Conflict: People may trivialiase the importance of the conflicting beliefs or the dissonance itself. They might convince themselves that the inconsistency is not significant enough to warrant a change in belief or behaviour.
5. Denial or Avoidance: Individuals may deny or avoid information that would increase the dissonance. This includes avoiding situations or evidence that would highlight the conflict between their beliefs and behaviours.
6. Rationalisation: Rationalising involves creating reasons or excuses that justify the conflicting beliefs or behaviors. This can include blaming external circumstances or minimising the negative aspects of a decision.
7. Seeking Support: People might seek out others who share their beliefs or behaviors, reinforcing their current state and reducing the feeling of dissonance. This social support can make it easier to maintain conflicting beliefs or behaviours without feeling discomfort.
These mechanisms work to maintain cognitive consistency, which is a fundamental human motivation.
This is a huge driver. Especially in times which are uncertain.
The brain absolutely hates uncertainty.
The drive to reduce cognitive dissonance can lead to changes in beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours, and it plays a significant role in decision-making, behaviour change, and attitude formation.
The brain likes consistency, the ability to forecast and predict, the state of 3 follows 2 follows 1.
That kind of consistency.
Cognitive consistency is a psychological concept that refers to the desire for harmony among one’s thoughts, beliefs, knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and intentions.
It’s based on the idea that people prefer these elements to be congruent and not contradictory.
Here’s a more detailed look at cognitive consistency:
Definition and Importance:
Cognitive consistency is defined as the preference for congruence across one’s mental states.
It is a fundamental aspect of social psychology and plays a significant role in how individuals process information and form attitudes.
Mechanisms and Effects:
Incongruence or asymmetry among cognitions leads to tension and unpleasant psychological states.
To achieve cognitive consistency, individuals may change their thoughts, beliefs, or behaviours to align with each other.
This drive for consistency can influence decision-making, attitude change, and behaviour modification.
Historical Perspective:
The concept dates back to the 1940s and was first noted within social psychological theory by Fritz Heider.
It gained prominence in the 1950s with theories from notable psychologists like Leon Festinger, who developed the theory of cognitive dissonance - he also developed the theory of social comparison, if you are interested.
Cognitive Dissonance:
Cognitive dissonance is closely related to cognitive consistency. It occurs when there is a conflict among cognitions, leading to discomfort.
People are motivated to reduce this dissonance by achieving consistency through various mechanisms, such as changing beliefs or behaviours.
Applications:
Cognitive consistency theories have been applied in various fields, including marketing, politics, and interpersonal relationships.
Understanding cognitive consistency can help in designing interventions to change harmful behaviours or reinforce positive ones. I suppose the question here though is the perspective that an individual is looking from as to which behaviour is harmful and which is positive.
In essence, cognitive consistency is about maintaining a balanced psychological state by ensuring that our inner world of thoughts and beliefs aligns with our actions and external reality.
It’s a key driver behind many of our daily decisions and interactions.
Just think now of your external environment - does it reinforce your cognitive consistency or is it activitating cognitive dissonance?
A lot that is feeding either side of the camp is grounded in politics, which was not the case not too long ago.
Politics has increasingly become a pervasive force in society, influencing various aspects of daily life far beyond the traditional realms of governance and public policy.
Here’s how politics has seeped into every corner of our social fabric:
1. Social Interactions and Relationships:
Politics often shapes how individuals form relationships and interact with one another. People tend to associate with those who share similar political beliefs, and political discussions have become a common part of social interactions. To the point where it has broken families, communities and friendships.
2. Media and Information:
The media landscape is heavily influenced by politics, with news outlets and social media platforms frequently becoming arenas for political debate. This has led to the spread of political discourse and has made it easier for people to engage with political content.
3. Cultural Identity and Values:
Politics intersects with cultural identity, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and others. It can affect societal values and norms, leading to political tensions or increased engagement in political activism.
4. Economic Decisions:
Political decisions and ideologies can have a direct impact on the economy, affecting job markets, consumer behaviour, and investment strategies. People often make economic choices based on their political views or the political climate.
5. Education and Academia:
The education system is not immune to political influence. Curricula and educational policies can be shaped by political ideologies, affecting what and how students learn. This could also be a form of propaganda.
6. Healthcare and Well-being:
Political decisions play a crucial role in healthcare systems, determining access to services, funding for research, and public health initiatives. Personal health choices can also be influenced by political beliefs.
7. Environmental Awareness:
Environmental issues have become highly politicised, with political stances influencing how individuals and organisations approach sustainability and conservation efforts.
8. Globalisation and International Relations:
Politics affects international relations and global events, shaping public opinion on foreign policy, immigration, and global crises. We tend to look over the humanity instead of into it.
9. Legal and Ethical Norms:
Political ideologies can influence legal systems and ethical standards, shaping laws, regulations, and societal expectations.
10. Technological Advancements: - The development and regulation of technology are often influenced by political agendas, affecting innovation and the implementation of new technologies.
In essence, politics has become an integral part of the societal landscape, affecting not only how societies are governed but also how individuals live, think, and interact with the world around them.
The rise of social media and the increasing diversity of societies have further amplified the influence of politics on daily life.
As a result, political awareness and engagement have become more pronounced, reflecting the significant impact of politics on society as a whole.
When Politicians Lie: The Complex Tapestry of Public Trust
In the intricate dance of conspiracy and truth, the trust between the public and their elected officials is a delicate one, woven from the threads of promises, actions, and, inevitably, the words spoken by those in power.
Yet, when the words of politicians unravel into lies, the fabric of trust is torn, leaving the public to mend the gaps with threads of skepticism and disillusionment.
Lying in politics is not a new phenomenon, but it is one that has garnered increasing attention and concern. A recent proposal in Wales to ban politicians from lying underlines the gravity of the issue. The proposed law reflects a growing sentiment among the public that honesty should not just be an expectation but a mandate for those who serve.
The question arises: why do politicians lie? The answer is as complex as the individuals themselves. Some may argue that the very nature of politics, which often involves representing diverse and sometimes conflicting interests, incentivises bending the truth.
Others suggest that the political arena may both attract and create individuals who see deception as a tool for survival and success. There are a lot of convicted criminals in the UK’s house of parliament, statiscally, proportionately more than the general population!
Public opinion polls reveal a stark reality: a significant portion of the populace believes that politicians are more likely to lie now than in the past. This perception has profound implications for the democratic process.
When the electorate suspects that their leaders are not truthful, it erodes the foundation of informed consent upon which democratic decisions are made.
The ethical implications are vast. While politicians are tasked with representing their constituents and navigating complex political landscapes, the means by which they achieve their ends are under scrutiny.
The use of lies, half-truths, or deceptive practices not only undermines the integrity of the individual politician but also casts a shadow over the institution of governance itself.
In response to this challenge, some have called for stricter regulations and transparency measures to hold politicians accountable for their words. Others advocate for a cultural shift within politics, emphasizing the long-term benefits of honesty over the short-term gains of deceit.
As the public grapples with the reality of political dishonesty, the role of the media, educators, and civil society becomes increasingly important. By fostering critical thinking, media literacy, and civic engagement, these institutions can empower individuals to discern truth from falsehood and hold their leaders accountable.
The issue of lying in politics is a multifaceted one, touching on legal, ethical, and social dimensions. As the public demands greater honesty from their representatives, the political landscape may be poised for change. Whether through legal reforms or a shift in political culture, the pursuit of truth remains a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
So let us consider how we perceive something as truthful -
Neurobiological Basis of Truth:
The brain’s ability to discern truth involves complex neural processes. Neuroscientists have studied how different brain regions are activated when individuals are assessing the truthfulness of information.
Perception and Reality:
Our perception of reality is constructed by the brain, which means that everyone’s perception is unique and influenced by their neural architecture. This subjective nature of perception can affect how we interpret truth.
Intentions and Truthfulness:
Research has shown that people’s judgments of truthfulness are influenced by what they perceive as the information source’s intentions. Even when individuals know the factual accuracy of a claim, their judgment of its truth can be affected by whether they think the source is trying to deceive or inform them.
Cultural and Societal Influences:
The concept of truth is not only a neurobiological phenomenon but is also shaped by cultural and societal factors. These external influences can affect how truth is perceived and valued within a community.
Memory and Knowledge:
Memory plays a crucial role in how we perceive truth. The acquisition of knowledge and the testing of its validity are connected to how memories are formed and recalled.
Scientific Method and Truth:
The scientific method is a systematic way of testing and validating knowledge, which aligns with the brain’s natural tendency to seek and recognize patterns that correspond to truth.
So how does deception fit in with this?
The brain processes deception through a complex interplay of cognitive functions that involve various regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex.
Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Control:
The prefrontal cortex, located just behind the forehead, is crucial for executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and attention.
When we lie, the prefrontal cortex is more active because deception requires the brain to work harder than when we tell the truth.
Creating and Withholding Information:
Deception involves two key components: fabricating a lie and suppressing the truth.
This dual process demands significant cognitive resources, as the brain must generate a false statement and inhibit the natural inclination to convey factual information.
Neurobiological Engagement:
Deception is a cognitive process that engages the brain’s executive system, which is responsible for decision-making, risk-taking, cognitive control, and reward processing.
The act of lying involves intricate actions similar to other complex behaviours, requiring coordination between cognitive and motor response regulation.
Emotional and Reward Systems:
Other brain regions, including those responsible for emotion and reward, also play a role in deception.
The emotional weight of lying and the potential rewards or consequences of deceit can influence how effectively the brain performs during deceptive acts.
Developmental Aspects:
The ability to lie increases as executive function develops in young children, and lying becomes more difficult when executive function is strained.
This suggests that the development of executive control is linked to the capacity for deception.
In summary, the brain processes deception by utilizing its executive control systems, particularly the prefrontal cortex, along with emotional and reward-related regions. It’s a demanding task that requires the orchestration of multiple cognitive processes.
So how do we know what is absolutely true or not?
Simple answer… we do not…
Determining the truth can be a complex process, as it often involves sifting through various pieces of information, perspectives, and interpretations.
Here are some ways to approach the understanding of what the truth is:
1. Evidence and Facts:
The most reliable way to determine the truth is through objective evidence and verifiable facts. This means relying on data and information that can be tested and confirmed.
Read that again… tested and confirmed does not mean just once, and then, if you say it often enough it makes it true.
2. Consensus and Corroboration:
Truth is often established through a consensus among experts or multiple sources that corroborate the same information. Mulitple sources is key here.. not just from one agency, person, authority, but many!
3. Scientific Method:
The scientific method is a systematic approach to discovering truths about the world through hypothesis testing, experimentation, and observation.
There is not just ‘the science’. Do not seek dogma instead on enquiry.
4. Critical Thinking:
Employing critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility of sources, the logic of arguments, and the presence of any biases or fallacies.
5. Transparency and Openness:
Seeking transparency in how information is gathered and presented can help in assessing the truthfulness of a claim.
If the information is not transparent then there is something to hide!
6. Diverse Perspectives:
Considering multiple perspectives and not relying on a single source of information can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the truth.
7. Intuition and Personal Experience:
While personal intuition and experience can be valuable, they should be balanced with empirical evidence and rational analysis.
In essence, knowing the truth involves a combination of gathering evidence, using critical thinking, seeking corroboration, and being open to revising one’s understanding based on new information. It’s a dynamic process that requires vigilance and a commitment to intellectual honesty.
But what if your ‘gut’ is telling you something?
Intuition plays a complex role in determining truth, acting as a bridge between subconscious knowledge and conscious reasoning. It’s often described as a gut feeling or an instinctive understanding that doesn’t arise from deliberate thought.
Here’s how intuition can contribute to discerning truth:
Subconscious Processing:
Intuition reflects the brain’s ability to process information on a subconscious level, drawing on past experiences, knowledge, and patterns that we may not be consciously aware of.
We need to beware of limbic system hacking or unhelpful schemas with this one.
Immediate Understanding:
It provides an immediate sense of truth or falsehood without the need for analytical reasoning. This can be particularly useful in situations where quick decisions are necessary.
Complement to Rational Thought:
While intuition can guide us toward truth, it is most effective when balanced with rational thinking. Analytical processes allow us to evaluate the intuition against facts and evidence.
Cultural and Personal Biases:
Intuitions are influenced by cultural norms and personal experiences, which means they can sometimes lead us astray if not critically examined.
Moral and Ethical Judgments:
In the realm of ethics, moral intuitions play a significant role in shaping our judgments about what is right or wrong, often serving as a starting point for ethical reasoning.
Insight into Unconscious Thought:
Intuition can provide insight into our unconscious thought processes, revealing underlying beliefs and biases that rational reasoning might not uncover.
Critical Thinking:
Critical thinking involves integrating intuition with analytical thinking, which can lead to effective problem-solving and decision-making strategies across various disciplines.
Intuition is a valuable component of the truth-determining process, but it should be used in conjunction with critical thinking and evidence-based analysis to arrive at a more accurate understanding of truth.
So as we have discovered in this rather lengthy writing, it is a bit more complicated than I am right and you are wrong, or vice versa.
So maybe we need to be asking why is it a preferred state for us all to be at polarity with each other?
Being kinder to people who hold different beliefs and opinions is essential for fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
Practice Empathy:
Try to understand the experiences and emotions that may shape others’ beliefs. Empathy allows us to connect with people on a human level, regardless of differing opinions.
Use respectful Language:
Be mindful of your words and strive to use language that is respectful. This helps create a courageous space for open dialogue.
Educate Yourself:
Learn about different cultures, religions, and worldviews. This can broaden your perspective and help you appreciate the diversity of thought.
Listen Actively:
Give others the space to express their beliefs without interruption. Listening is a powerful act of kindness that validates the other person’s perspective.
Avoid Assumptions:
Don’t make assumptions about people based on stereotypes or limited information. Approach each interaction with an open mind.
Find Common Ground:
Look for shared values or interests that can serve as a foundation for a positive relationship, even amidst differences.
Agree to Disagree:
Recognise that it’s okay to have different opinions. You can respect someone’s right to their beliefs without necessarily agreeing with them.
Be Curious:
Ask questions with genuine curiosity rather than judgment. This can lead to better understanding and less conflict.
Show Respect:
Treat others with dignity and respect, even when you disagree. Respectful interactions can reduce tension and promote kindness.
Lead by Example:
Demonstrate kindness in your actions and words. Your behaviour can inspire others to do the same.
Remember, kindness is not about being nice; it’s about recognising our shared humanity and treating others with the consideration we all deserve.
When we start looking at people as people, we start realising that things are never as black and white as we believed, rather there is a whole spectrum of light and dark in between.
That is what we should be looking at, not vilifying human beings and attacking them when for many the system is the one that is attacking all of us.
Over time, some conspiracy theories have turned out to be true, often revealing surprising and sometimes unsettling realities. Here are a few notable examples:
NSA Warrantless Surveillance (Internet Spying Scandal): It was revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) had been conducting extensive and warrantless surveillance of internet and telephone communications.
Watergate Scandal (Political Cover-up): In the 1970s, it came to light that President Nixon and his administration had been involved in a cover-up following the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex.
Operation Northwoods (False Flag Plot): Declassified documents showed that in the 1960s, the U.S. Department of Defense had proposed plans to commit acts of terrorism on U.S. soil to justify military intervention in Cuba.
MK-ULTRA (Government Mind Control): The CIA conducted secret experiments on unwitting citizens to test the effects of LSD and other drugs for mind control and interrogation purposes.
Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment: For 40 years, the U.S. Public Health Service conducted an experiment on African American men, withholding proper treatment for syphilis to study the disease’s progression.
Operation Gladio: This was a post-World War II program in which the UK, along with other NATO countries and the US, prepared a network of secret armies, or “stay-behind” units, which were to act behind enemy lines in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion of Western Europe. While initially a conspiracy theory, it was confirmed by the Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti to the Italian Senate in 1990.
The Zinoviev Letter: In 1924, a letter published by the British Daily Mail newspaper purportedly written by Grigory Zinoviev, a Soviet official, called for communist insurrection in Britain. The letter was later revealed to be a forgery and part of a political plot to discredit the Labour party, which had been seeking better relations with the Soviet government.
These instances reflect the complex relationship between public perception and the actions of governments or organizations. While many conspiracy theories remain unproven or debunked, these examples show that some have been grounded in truth, leading to significant ethical, legal, and social implications.
We all need to be aware that conspiracy, truth, deciet, lies, dissonance all of it is around all of us at any one time.
We need to think about what kind of human being is the best kind of human being and make our strategies from there.
Truth is extremely important but as we have discovered is subjective and is hardly ever absolute. Perspective is everything, context is dependent and which side of the fence you are on can be extremely political.
The world hates the truth and all that share it, and so if you share truth eventually you will be hated by the world if you are not ready