What are Coincidences? A Philosophical Guide Between Science and Common Sense

Alessandra Melas and Pietro Salis brilliantly dissect the conundrum of meaningful coincidences. They correctly argue that physical probability insufficiently explains coincidences. They introduce “subjective” probability, a crucial addition to any analysis of coincidences. They present clear evidence for the importance of meanings and belief in understanding these unlikely yet common human experiences. Following sophisticated psychological research, they support the notion that coincidences are the natural result of rational cognition. They suggest that when other potential explanations fail, people tend to invoke mere coincidence to explain them. They emphasize that meaningfulness is directly related to the coincidence’s degree of personal usefulness. Their many years of philosophical thinking about coincidences has yielded a fundamental text for future seminars, courses and classes on meaningful coincidences.

Bernard D. Beitman, MD

Founder, The Coincidence Project