How to Cite
Sternberg, Robert J.: 7 The Role of Credulity in Failed Problem Solving, in Alexander Nicolai, Wendt, Daniel V., Holt and Lisa, von Stockhausen (Eds.): Komplexität und Problemlösen: Festschrift für Joachim Funke zum 70. Geburtstag, Heidelberg: Heidelberg University Publishing, 2025, p. 79–100. https://doi.org/10.17885/heiup.1067.c23270
License (Chapter)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Identifiers (Book)
ISBN 978-3-96822-171-7 (PDF)
ISBN 978-3-96822-172-4 (Hardcover)
Published
05/22/2025
7 The Role of Credulity in Failed Problem Solving
Abstract Credulity is the predisposition to be easily, and often too easily, accepting of new information and arguments in the absence of evidence that the information is, or the arguments are, credible. I suggest that the greatest problem faced today by many problem solvers is not lack of problem solving knowledge or skills but, rather, credulity. Authoritarian leaders know this and take advantage of it. IQs rose 30 points during the 20th century, but despite this, credulity is at astonishingly high levels. If people are credulous, then all their problem solving skills can be for naught. I discuss the problem and suggest solutions to it.
