The erotetic theory of delusional thinking

<p><b>Introduction.</b> In this paper, we argue for a novel account of one cognitive factor implicated in delusional cognition. According to the erotetic theory of delusion we present, the central cognitive factor in delusion is impaired endogenous question raising. </p><...

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Auteurs principaux: Parrott, M, Koralus, P
Format: Journal article
Langue:English
Publié: Routledge 2015
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author Parrott, M
Koralus, P
author_facet Parrott, M
Koralus, P
author_sort Parrott, M
collection OXFORD
description <p><b>Introduction.</b> In this paper, we argue for a novel account of one cognitive factor implicated in delusional cognition. According to the erotetic theory of delusion we present, the central cognitive factor in delusion is impaired endogenous question raising. </p><p><b>Method.</b> After presenting the erotetic theory, we draw on it to model three distinct patterns of reasoning exhibited by delusional and schizophrenic patients, and contrast our explanations with Bayesian alternatives. </p><p><b>Results.</b> We argue that the erotetic theory has considerable advantages over Bayesian models. Specifically, we show that it offers a superior explanation of three phenomena: the onset and persistence of the Capgras delusion; recent data indicating that schizophrenic subjects manifest superior reasoning with conditionals in certain contexts; and evidence that schizophrenic and delusional subjects have a tendency to “jump to conclusions.” Moreover, since the cognitive mechanisms we appeal to are independently motivated, we avoid having to posit distinct epistemic states that are intrinsically irrational in order to fit our model to the variety of data. </p><p><b>Conclusion.</b> In contrast to Bayesian models, the erotetic theory offers a simple, unified explanation of a range of empirical data. We therefore conclude that it offers a more plausible framework for explaining delusional cognition.</p>
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spelling oxford-uuid:f4e8b361-7084-4df6-86d1-ee8224fe57d72022-03-27T12:23:23ZThe erotetic theory of delusional thinkingJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:f4e8b361-7084-4df6-86d1-ee8224fe57d7EnglishSymplectic Elements at OxfordRoutledge2015Parrott, MKoralus, P <p><b>Introduction.</b> In this paper, we argue for a novel account of one cognitive factor implicated in delusional cognition. According to the erotetic theory of delusion we present, the central cognitive factor in delusion is impaired endogenous question raising. </p><p><b>Method.</b> After presenting the erotetic theory, we draw on it to model three distinct patterns of reasoning exhibited by delusional and schizophrenic patients, and contrast our explanations with Bayesian alternatives. </p><p><b>Results.</b> We argue that the erotetic theory has considerable advantages over Bayesian models. Specifically, we show that it offers a superior explanation of three phenomena: the onset and persistence of the Capgras delusion; recent data indicating that schizophrenic subjects manifest superior reasoning with conditionals in certain contexts; and evidence that schizophrenic and delusional subjects have a tendency to “jump to conclusions.” Moreover, since the cognitive mechanisms we appeal to are independently motivated, we avoid having to posit distinct epistemic states that are intrinsically irrational in order to fit our model to the variety of data. </p><p><b>Conclusion.</b> In contrast to Bayesian models, the erotetic theory offers a simple, unified explanation of a range of empirical data. We therefore conclude that it offers a more plausible framework for explaining delusional cognition.</p>
spellingShingle Parrott, M
Koralus, P
The erotetic theory of delusional thinking
title The erotetic theory of delusional thinking
title_full The erotetic theory of delusional thinking
title_fullStr The erotetic theory of delusional thinking
title_full_unstemmed The erotetic theory of delusional thinking
title_short The erotetic theory of delusional thinking
title_sort erotetic theory of delusional thinking
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