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What is unrealistic optimism?

Anneli Jefferson1, Lisa Bortolotti1, Bojana Kuzmanovic2

  • 1University of Birmingham, Department of Philosophy, ERI Building, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.

Consciousness and Cognition
|November 6, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study explores unrealistic optimism, examining if these positive illusions are beliefs, if they are false, and their potential irrationality. It lays groundwork for understanding the benefits of unrealistic optimism.

Keywords:
Belief updateIrrationalityOptimism biasPositive illusionsUnrealistic optimism

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Philosophy of Mind

Background:

  • Unrealistic optimism, a form of positive illusion, is prevalent in human cognition.
  • Understanding the nature of these cognitive states is crucial for psychological and philosophical inquiry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether unrealistically optimistic cognitive states constitute belief states.
  • To determine if these optimistic beliefs are factually false.
  • To assess the epistemic rationality of unrealistically optimistic cognitive states.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of classic and contemporary empirical literature on unrealistic optimism.
  • Philosophical analysis of cognitive states, belief, truth, and rationality.
  • Conceptual framework development for understanding positive illusions.

Main Results:

  • Preliminary analysis suggests unrealistically optimistic states may function as beliefs.
  • The falsity of these states is contingent on specific contexts and definitions.
  • Epistemic irrationality is a potential characteristic, though not universally applicable.

Conclusions:

  • Unrealistic optimism presents complex questions regarding its cognitive and epistemic status.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the nature and implications of these positive illusions.
  • Foundational insights are provided for exploring the potential benefits of unrealistic optimism.