RE: What makes people irrational thinkers?
December 11, 2021 at 11:16 pm
(This post was last modified: December 11, 2021 at 11:19 pm by polymath257.)
(December 11, 2021 at 11:08 pm)Belacqua Wrote:
(December 11, 2021 at 11:02 pm)polymath257 Wrote: If the evidence for them was anywhere close to as good as that for dark matter, it would be a revolution in theology.Right. You have a strong belief that a certain kind of evidence is necessary but lacking.
Yes. I do. And I apply that standard for any existence question.
At the very least, in asking about existence, it is good to know what would constitute a false signal. i tis also good to know what sort of evidence is to be expected, so if it doesn't arise, you can make an argument that the non-existence is the better explanation.
Absence of evidence isn't always evidence of absence. But if I don't see an adult elephant in my living room, that absence of evidence is good enough to conclude there is not an elephant there.
(December 11, 2021 at 11:10 pm)Belacqua Wrote:(December 11, 2021 at 11:02 pm)polymath257 Wrote: One of the big trappings of smart people is that they start to think all smart people will agree with them.
I question whether such people are really smart.
It is a question, I agree. But I am thinking about people who are capable academically, maybe even excel. They are accustomed to 'being right' in their area. By that standard, they are 'smart'.
But, as Aristotle said (I believe), one of the signs of intelligence is being able to entertain an idea that you disagree with.
