pam-mentations.com

In his book, Cognitive Mechanisms of Belief Change, Aaron CT Smith, a cognitive scientist from Melbourne, Australia, provides a brilliant analogy to explain what beliefs do for us. Flock Theory,

“In my estimation…beliefs follow the same kinds of rules governing flocks of birds…First, successful beliefs fit the rule of separation. Like birds in the flock, it is best not to crowd neighbours. This is how beliefs help us navigate the belonging- distinction tension, where we need enough room to be different without separating ourselves so much that we no longer belong to the flock. In reality, we want to be special while also being in the group. Second, successful beliefs fit the rule of alignment. A bird within a flock steers toward the average heading of its closest compatriot. Similarly, beliefs tend to endure when the holder’s beliefs align with those of his or her most significant others, whether family, friends, or social network. Beliefs stick when groups cohere and all aim in the same direction. Third, successful beliefs follow the rule of cohesion. Birds steer towards the average position of their neighbours. In other words, they stick together irrespective of their flight direction. Beliefs that work together allow members to do more or less what each other do.” (257-258) 

• Aaron C.T. Smith. Cognitive Mechanisms of Belief Change. Palgrave Macmillan, 2016.

For more information about Aaron CT Smith and a list of his publications, including Cognitive Mechanisms of Belief Change, visit his website at http://www.aaronctsmith.com (note, January 28, 2025, this site is undergoing some maintenance)