Motivated Reasoning: Information, Judgement, and Policy-Making

This conference explores why people often dismiss facts they do not like and embrace information that fits their existing views, even when the evidence is strong. This tendency, known as motivated reasoning, plays a powerful role in shaping opinions about climate change, public health, economic policy, and democratic debate. In an age of constant news, social media, and misinformation, understanding how and why people interpret information selectively has become increasingly important. The conference brings together researchers from across the social sciences to explain how motivated reasoning works, how it influences real-world decisions, and why simply providing more information often fails to change minds. Open to all, the event combines academic presentations with discussion about how research on motivated reasoning can help improve public communication, strengthen trust in evidence, and support better decision-making by citizens, institutions, and policymakers.

£16,370.00

British Academy Conferences 2027-28
BAC27\27256