December 6, 2022
Explore the superstitious tendencies of even the most skeptical members of your group with this fun and engaging article written by managing editor of Skeptical Inquirer, Julia Lavarnway.
Subscription Only: Skeptical Inquirer – September/October 2022
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Discussion Guide:
- Take a poll of how many people in your group consider themselves superstitious. Ask members what sort of things they are superstitious about, or what superstitions they used to hold. If they do not have any, ask them to consider what superstitions they are aware of.
- Divide these superstitions into “Good Luck” and “Bad Luck” and see what percentage fall into each category. For example, saying “bless you,” knocking on wood, and seeing a rainbow are all “good luck” superstitions, while walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, and the number 666 tend to be negatives. Ask members to share stories about superstitious people or rituals they have encountered.
- Consider people who do not believe in superstitions, but act them out anyway. The author quotes Stuart Vyse who suggests that even when the rational parts of our brains know what makes sense, the emotional parts of our brains acquiesce and conduct the superstitious ritual anyway. Discuss why this might be.
- Explore the origins of many superstitions using this Stuart Vyse Ted-Ed Lesson.
Important Citations:
- Jane Risen (2016) – “Believing What We Do Not Believe: Acquiescence to Superstitious Beliefs and Other Powerful Intuitions” Psychological Review
- Stuart Vyse (2013) – Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition (Updated)
Continue the Conversation:
- Russ Dobler (2018) – “The Superstitions We Can’t Shake” via Skeptical Inquirer
About the Author:
Julia Lavarnway is the managing editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Contact Julia.