title: The erotetic theory of delusional thinking.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this paper, we argue for a novel account of one cognitive factor implicated in delusional cognition. According to the erotetic theory of delusion we present, the central cognitive factor in delusion is impaired endogenous question raising.
  
  
  METHODS
  After presenting the erotetic theory, we draw on it to model three distinct patterns of reasoning exhibited by delusional and schizophrenic patients, and contrast our explanations with Bayesian alternatives.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We argue that the erotetic theory has considerable advantages over Bayesian models. Specifically, we show that it offers a superior explanation of three phenomena: the onset and persistence of the Capgras delusion; recent data indicating that schizophrenic subjects manifest superior reasoning with conditionals in certain contexts; and evidence that schizophrenic and delusional subjects have a tendency to "jump to conclusions." Moreover, since the cognitive mechanisms we appeal to are independently motivated, we avoid having to posit distinct epistemic states that are intrinsically irrational in order to fit our model to the variety of data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In contrast to Bayesian models, the erotetic theory offers a simple, unified explanation of a range of empirical data. We therefore conclude that it offers a more plausible framework for explaining delusional cognition.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Philosophy , King's College London , The Strand, London WC2R 2LS , UK.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parrott
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Philosophy and Laboratory for the Philosophy and Psychology of Rationality and Decision , University of Oxford, ROQ , Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG , UK.
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Koralus
mesh_terms: D001499:Bayes Theorem; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D003702:Delusions / Q000523:psychology*; D036262:Empirical Research; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
keywords: delusion; erotetic theory; jumping to conclusions; reasoning; schizophrenia