Skeptics might be jumping to conclusions

[Simon Moon]

I have considered another possibility as to why I cannot be convinced of what skeptics say.  Yes, I am aware of that argument against Dean Simon Moon posted.  But my mind still remains open.

You seem to be implying here, that skeptics are NOT open minded.

Nothing can be further from the truth.

My mind is completely opened to claims that are supported by demonstrable, repeatable and falsifiable evidence, and reasoned argument.

Without those criteria being met, what should be the justification to believe your claims are true?

Perhaps this is because I really want there to be an afterlife of my dreams and my brain is not allowing me to be convinced when I should be convinced.  Maybe it is a defense mechanism my brain has employed.  As a result, my mind just continues to remain open no matter what anyone says to me.  But perhaps there really is a way for me to be convinced eventually.  Who knows.

So, you don't really care what is true (or likely true), you care more about the warm fuzzy feeling you get from believing what you want to be true.

I just can not relate to that way of thinking.

I want to hold as many true beliefs as possible, and have as few false beliefs as possible.


The best method ever discovered, as a path to truth, is demonstrable, repeatable and falsifiable evidence, and reasoned argument.

[The Grand Nudger]

What if my morning shit makes the sun rise? Debatable..right? We may never know.

[FatAndFaithless]

But what if Dean has performed the file-drawer analysis correctly?  That is a debate right there.  I am now open minded to what Dean or any paranormal proponent would have to argue in favor of Dean performing the analysis correctly.

So you're literally asking us "what if we had actual evidence for this thing"?  Then...we'd have actual evidence for said thing.  You can ask "what if" about anything.  What if we had evidence that the sun is really moved by a really buff guy in a chariot?

Asking "what if" is absolutely not a good basis to accept something as true or likely true or even possible.

[Succubus]

[polymath257]

But what if Dean has performed the file-drawer analysis correctly?  That is a debate right there.  I am now open minded to what Dean or any paranormal proponent would have to argue in favor of Dean performing the analysis correctly.

If you refuse to learn anything, then anything is possible. In this case, you refuse to learn enough math to determine a simple yes/no question. You also refuse to take the word of an expert in the area because it disagrees with what you *want* to believe.

As others have pointed out, that isn't open mindedness. It is being a lazy troll.

Now, you said you don't *want* to be a troll. Good. Then go learn something about what you are critiquing. At least enough to do basic math and science. Otherwise, resign yourself to trolldom.

[Simon Moon]

But what if Dean has performed the file-drawer analysis correctly?  That is a debate right there.  I am now open minded to what Dean or any paranormal proponent would have to argue in favor of Dean performing the analysis correctly.

If you refuse to learn anything, then anything is possible. In this case, you refuse to learn enough math to determine a simple yes/no question. You also refuse to take the word of an expert in the area because it disagrees with what you *want* to believe.

As others have pointed out, that isn't open mindedness. It is being a lazy troll.

Now, you said you don't *want* to be a troll. Good. Then go learn something about what you are critiquing. At least enough to do basic math and science. Otherwise, resign yourself to trolldom.

I would usually recommend a book like, "A Demon Haunted World" to TD, as an antidote to his poor critical thinking skills and gullibility.

But he has made it clear, that he does not want information that might refute his favorite magical story.

So, it is probably a waste of time.

[Succubus]

...But what if Dean has performed the file-drawer analysis correctly?...

No. Mr slight of hand slimy troll the term is: "file-drawer effect!"

But then you know this.

[Angrboda]

[Angrboda]

[robvalue]

Just to let everyone know, this guy is totally confirmed as a troll. He was banned on TTA while spouting all this same gibberish, after it was discovered he was a sock puppet of a previously banned member.