What we learn and why we learn¸ and more importantly what we choose to accept, seems more influenced by what we want to believe. Challenge any hardcore “true believer” regardless of the arena and you’ll likely be confronted with what some have called a “spirited intolerance” of any opposing view. All of this can occur despite the proofs that might be laid out in a classic “supportive data” format. So regardless of both tangible and empirical evidence to the contrary it seems that many people hold to their beliefs no matter how illogical, void of reason, or lack of experimental verification they have on their side. Then there are those who will simply fabricate things hoping others won’t bother to check the facts. We see and hear this all the time and it raises the question about why some behave so enigmatically. The reasons, of course, are complex and ensconced in a myriad of both mental and emotional dimensions. Some people just don’t want to behave responsibly, and accepting certain truths would mean that prudent behavior is mandatory. Others are at the mercy of their fears. Still others seem unable or unwilling to expend the energy to take a stand. All of this brings me to an article someone sent me a few weeks back entitled, “The Science of Why We Don’t Believe Science.” There are other articles on the same subject but I found this one particularly intriguing. At the very least you might find it thought provoking.
http://m.motherjones.com/politics/2011/03/denial-science-chris-mooney
No comments:
Post a Comment