The Power of Useful Delusions: Embracing Self-Deception

Course Overview

What do Santa Claus, pregame rituals, and optimism have in common? They are all beneficial delusions.

Shankar Vedantam is the host and executive editor of the Hidden Brain podcast and radio show and author of the 2010 book of the same title. His new book, co-written with Bill Mesler, is Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Deceiving Brain. It poses the question, “Is self-deception or delusion always bad?” The short answer, according to the authors, is “No.”

In this course, Vedantam explores his observations on delusion from various perspectives and disciplines, including medicine, psychology, and economics. Self-deception does have benefits – in our relationships, the groups to which we belong, and even to our longevity.

Unique Features of the Course

• Interactive Course
• Video(s)
• Knowledge Check(s)
• Quiz

Table to Content

• Welcome
• We All Need a Little Hot Air
• Love, Kindness, and Lies
• How Stories Become Our Reality
• In a Good Relationship? You’re Probably Delusional
• Why People Believe in Conspiracy Theories
• Rituals Really Work—Just Not in the Way You Think
• Myth, Delusion, and the Soul of a Nation
• Have a Little Faith—It’s Good for You
• Conclusion
• Quiz

Intended audience

This course is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as working professionals from all streams/departments/functions.