Q about arguments for God's existence.

[Jenny A]

We all have beliefs inculcated in us from the moment we're capable of grasping our surroundings and learn language. It's just not in human nature - in ANY humans nature - to go around rockin the boat of their web of beliefs. I don't care who they are or what ideology they hold to, they will demonstrably have beliefs they don't challenge and protect with some degree of irrationality (this is especially visible with political beliefs). And the reason for this doesn't seem to be terribly hard to recognize and appreciate: constantly considering your beliefs about the world (especially deeply held ones) doesn't tend to lead to a productive organism, but often a paralysis of thought. This is where the true tradegy of what Betrand Russell noticed can be seen: The idiots are all cocksure and the smarter ones full of doubt, arrogant though that comes across as.

That's about it. Unfortunately even knowing that we are aware of confirmation bias doesn't always help. Thinking that you think clearly because you know you are biased is a bias in and of itself.

The only trick I know of is to be aware that what makes your blood rise (please no phallic jokes ), turns your brain off.