21st March 2011
“When evidence conflicts with cherished beliefs, most people are happier to explain away even the most compelling data rather than abandon their beliefs.”
“When evidence conflicts with cherished beliefs, most people are happier to explain away even the most compelling data rather than abandon their beliefs.”
March 21st, 2011 at 5:15
Which explains why only some people are capable of rational thought.
March 21st, 2011 at 9:04
Rational thinking should be mandatory in primary school.
March 21st, 2011 at 9:47
I dispute the words ” cherished” and “happier”. I suggest indoctrinated and afraid can fairly be substituted. These are not conducive to rational thought.
March 21st, 2011 at 16:43
to doubting tom………………….
very well put
March 21st, 2011 at 22:52
I agree with DT also. It’s very difficult to accept that something you believe is wrong. When people are indoctrinated, mental fences of fear and reward are being set up that for many are simply too difficult to scale. You can have a lot to lose when your entire family and community are tied together in a common delusion. So even if you harbor secret doubt, you pretend the fence doesn’t even exist. It never occurs to you to climb it to see what’s on the other side.