Who here really believes what they claim to?

[Aractus]

Yes, this is in the science forum, because it's a question of science - not ethics, religion or even philosophy.

How many people actually believe what they claim to believe? It can't be very many people. Let me demonstrate using my own country - Australia.

1. Smoking. Supposedly this is bad for you. Most people SAY they believe this. 48% of Aborigines are smokers, therefore 48% or more of Aborigines don't actually believe it's bad for their health. The smoking rate in Australia has dropped in recent years, it's now about 18% of the adult population. So 18% of Australians don't believe that smoking is bad for their health.

That was just the first point, it gets worse with the second...

2. Overweight. 63% of Australian adults are either overweight or obese. 28% of Australians are obese. Thus, 63% of Aussies don't believe that being overweight is bad for their health, and 28% of Aussies are really confident in that belief! There is absolute proof that they don't it to be bad for them because I know people who "tried to loose weight" and then "gave up" after only loosing "some" weight.

A person cannot say the believe one thing, and do the opposite - that's nonsensical.

[Edwardo Piet]

You can genuinely believe that something is bad for you, and still do it because you are addicted. That's how addiction works.

And simply having a bad habit like biting your nails can be done despite the fact that you know it's bad for you too.

[Faith No More]

Yes, just because someone does something, that doesn't mean they don't believe it's bad. Many factors could weigh in to make them partake anyway.

[FallentoReason]

1. Smoking. Supposedly this is bad for you. Most people SAY they believe this. 48% of Aborigines are smokers, therefore 48% or more of Aborigines don't actually believe it's bad for their health. The smoking rate in Australia has dropped in recent years, it's now about 18% of the adult population. So 18% of Australians don't believe that smoking is bad for their health.

So who are nicotine patches marketed towards if all smokers (for some non-sensical reason) automatically think smoking isn't bad?

[Nine]

I understand junk food is bad for me but it tastes fucking amazing so I'm going to stuff my face with it anyway

[Aractus]

Yes, just because someone does something, that doesn't mean they don't believe it's bad. Many factors could weigh in to make them partake anyway.

Really? I think at the root of it, people don't actually believe it to be bad for them. In a couple of days the LA voters will get to decide if condom use becomes mandatory in porn - presently most companies don't shoot porn using condoms; thus they don't believe they're at any increased risk of STD's - or put another way - they don't believe condoms offer any protection over STD transmission for them. That has nothing to do with addiction whatsoever, it's a simple choice they chose to make.

[Nine]

Really? I think at the root of it, people don't actually believe it to be bad for them. In a couple of days the LA voters will get to decide if condom use becomes mandatory in porn - presently most companies don't shoot porn using condoms; thus they don't believe they're at any increased risk of STD's - or put another way - they don't believe condoms offer any protection over STD transmission for them. That has nothing to do with addiction whatsoever, it's a simple choice they chose to make.

What people believe and do are different things and there are different reasons behind what they do and what they believe.

The reason they don't use condoms is probably because they think people don't want to see that. They just want money.

[Aractus]

The biggest indication of one's beliefs is what they do - not what they say. What kind of scientific method would accept hearsay over direct evidence?

[Nine]

Well in that case I am more christian than most christian's I know considering Ive actually read the bible. lol.

Have you ever bought something new just because you wanted it? You may think its a bad idea but you just can't help yourself. I do it all the time. I believe that I should spend less time on my xbox and more time reading for my course but I still play my xbox as much. It doesnt mean I dont believe I need to read for my course.

[Napoléon]

Overweight. 63% of Australian adults are either overweight or obese. 28% of Australians are obese. Thus, 63% of Aussies don't believe that being overweight is bad for their health

Biggest quantum leap I've seen in a while.