Towards a comprehensive understanding of polarization

Polarization is quite the buzzwords nowadays, and for good reason. Many societies today grapple with pronounced divisions along moral, social, and political lines. However, it is essential to recognize that each polarized or polarizing society is made up of individual actors. To gain a comprehensive understanding of polarization, we cannot simply study individuals in isolation or analyze societal shifts without accounting for individuals. Rather, it is crucial to merge current scientific insights into the forces shaping both individuals and societies, to understand the entire system.

At the start of this interactive session, Otten will offer an overview of the human cognitive factors that could be involved in polarization. Subsequently, during the workshop segment, she invites the attendees to explore the potential intersections between research on human cognition, societal polarization, and the formal modeling of polarization. The aim is to foster cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies, enriching our understanding of polarization dynamics and paving the way for innovative approaches to address this complex societal phenomenon.

Programme