Jim Davies (computer scientist)

Jim Davies is a Canadian cognitive scientist, professor, author, and consultant known for his work on cognitive biases, rationality, creativity, and the intersection of cognitive science with various domains such as design, religion, and artificial intelligence. He is a professor at the Department of Cognitive Science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.

Davies' research focuses on understanding how people think, make decisions, and create. He explores the cognitive mechanisms underlying phenomena such as belief, persuasion, and aesthetic judgment. His work often involves applying cognitive science principles to practical problems, such as improving user interface design, fostering creativity in teams, and understanding the appeal of conspiracy theories.

Davies is the author of several books, including "Riveted: The Science of Why Jokes Make Us Laugh, Movies Make Us Cry, and Religion Makes Us Feel One with the Universe," "Being the Person Your Dog Thinks You Are: The Science of a Better You," and "Imagination: The Science of Your Mind's Greatest Power." He is also a frequent speaker and writer on topics related to cognitive science and its applications. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Georgia Tech, specializing in Artificial Intelligence. His earlier academic work was in the area of logic programming.