Scott Alexander examines two types of conspiracy theories, suggesting they stem from different cognitive processes: unusual evidence processing and emotional priors. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores two types of conspiracy theories: those centered on anomalies in narratives (like Kennedy assassination theories) and those based more on emotional responses (like the Global Adrenochrome Pedophile Cabal). He suggests that the first type often stems from unusual evidence processing styles, while the second type may be rooted in strong emotions acting as priors for cognitive processing. Scott proposes that some conspiracy theories might be attempts to justify strong negative feelings towards certain groups or individuals, providing a clear and objectively bad reason to hate them when reality is often more complex and ambiguous. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the relationship between handedness, authoritarianism, and cognitive flexibility, finding unexpected results that contradict a recent study. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses a study suggesting that consistently-handed individuals are more authoritarian and prejudiced than ambidextrous people. He attempts to replicate these findings using data from a previous SSC survey, but finds opposite results. Scott explores possible explanations for this discrepancy, including coding errors, the Lizardman Effect, and differences in study populations. He then speculates on the relationship between need for cognitive closure, ambidexterity, and various aspects of cognition and identity, including mental illness and intelligence. Shorter summary