Susan Gelman, PhD, Heinz Werner Distinguished University Professor of Psychology and Linguistics, University of Michigan

Psychological essentialism is the intuition that categories reflect a hidden, non-obvious reality. I review evidence that essentialism is a fundamental cognitive bias that has consequences for how the public thinks about human difference and the role of genetics. I also consider how essentialism varies across cultural contexts, and what this might tell us about how to combat essentialist misconceptions.

Seminar on Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Genetics

Monday, May 16, 2022 •  12:00 pm – 1:00pm

To register and receive the Zoom link, please email Alfa Garcia