Optimism – Its nature, causes and effects

The Costs and Benefits of Optimism project presents a workshop on the nature, causes and effects of unrealistic optimism.

The workshop is supported by the Hope and Optimism initiative, the British Society for the Philosophy of Science, and the Mind Association

Programme:

Thursday 25 February What is unrealistic optimism and what causes it?

• 10:30 -11:30 Tali Sharot – How the human brain forms optimistic beliefs
• 11:30 -12:00 Break
• 12:00 -13:00 Bojana Kuzmanovic – The subjective value of optimistically biased belief updating 
• 13:00 -14:00 Lunch
• 14:00 -15:00 Anneli Jefferson – Is the optimism bias an adaptation? 
• 15:00 -15:30 Break
• 15:30 -16:30  Constantine Sedikides – The unbearable lightness of being wonderful

Friday 26 February Effects of unrealistic optimism

• 09:30 - 10:30 James Shepperd – Consequences of unrealistic optimism
• 10:30 - 11:00 Break
• 11:00 - 12:00  Miriam McCormick – Rational hope
• 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
• 13:00 - 14:00 Fernando Blanco – Sadder but safer: optimistic causal Illusions can affect our health
• 14:00 - 14:30 Break
• 14:30 - 15:30 Lisa Bortolotti – Optimism bias and engaged agency

Registration

Registration is £30 (£20 for students and unemployed) and covers lunch and refreshments on both days of the workshop. Delegates will have to make their own arrangements for dinner and accommodation. To secure a place, please register with the University of Birmingham online shop.

Further information

For further information, please contact Professor Lisa Bortolotti