Enchanted Americans

University of Chicago political scientist Eric Oliver argues that the United States is an enchanted land. It’s not that we live among witches, fairies, and ogres. Rather we're under the spell of our own magical thinking. Whether we fear genetically modified foods or believe in angels, people across the political spectrum are willing to attribute causality to unseen forces. Oliver explores the various phenomena that lurk behind our anti-scientific thinking, as well as the ways those perceptions inform - and distort - our understanding of politics. Chicago Tribune columnist Dawn Turner Trice will join him in conversation.

This program is presented as part of the annual Karla Scherer Endowed Lecture Series for the University of Chicago.