Croyances fantastiques et rationalité

Abstract

Raymond Boudon has applied his general theory of rationality to ordinary and scientifi c knowledge, especially human sciences. Owing to their oddness, paranormal beliefs, that allege the existence of extraordinary beings and extraordinary phenomena, are frequently explained by human irrationality or by « the need for fantasy». Moreover, most of the time, they are also connected with subjective rationality. The present paper will explore the « good reasons for believing» in incredible things such as mermaids, the Loch Ness monster, the yeti, extraterrestrial beings, paranormal phenomena...