4 ms·
> Delusions — fixed, false beliefs that cannot be changed by evidence — are a key symptom of many psychotic disorders Interesting that "psychotic disorders" ca
by delichon 2y ago
> Delusions — fixed, false beliefs that cannot be changed by evidence — are a key symptom of many psychotic disorders
Interesting that "psychotic disorders" can be replaced with "tribalism" and still be true. We can easily identify such false beliefs in other tribes but often have a blind spot for them in our own.
But in terms of tribes or politics it is not clear that this is a disorder. Believing the same false things as our neighbors is often rewarded with status, wealth and mating opportunities, while failing to do so can be deadly. What converts the same tendency into psychosis can be merely the context: it's psychotic to believe false things when there is no social advantage to it and it therefore becomes unfit. But the same is true of believing true things when they conflict with a tribe's deeply held false beliefs.
Like a propensity to violence, believing false things can be a deadly strategy. Or it can be the only strategy that allows a chance for survival. And you may not know which until it is too late. It would be nice to live in a world where violence and false beliefs are consistently maladaptive, but that isn't this one.
- maxerickson 2y agoIn the medical definition, "fixed" is an important aspect of it. Maybe you have interacted with people with diagnosable psychosis, but if you haven't, it can be difficult to accept how the beliefs present.
- weard_beard 2y agoI try to believe one false thing a day. Like a glass of wine. Good for the heart.
- notjoemama 2y agoYou need to read about psychosis. Meaning, the clinical term, its causes, experience, and treatment. You’re conflating it with a critique you seem to have of people’s behavior. If you knew more I don’t think you’d do that.
- jl6 2y agoBeliefs and behavior are usually only a disorder if they interfere with the normal functioning of everyday life (whatever that is). Like, maybe you believe you are a mongoose, but as long as you can still happily eat / sleep / work / socialize then it’s not disordered.
- martin-t 2y ago> Interesting that "psychotic disorders" can be replaced with "tribalism" and still be true That's because both are defects of rational reasoning. I view it this way: The only difference is "disorders" are generally harmful to both the individual and society while "tribalism" is often beneficial to the individual (making allies, strenght in unity, status as you said, ...) even if it's harmful to society as a whole.