Why Do People Believe Stupid Stuff, Even When They're Confronted With the Truth?

[[deleted user]]

The "backfire effect" helps explain how strange, ancient and kooky beliefs resist science, reason and reportage.

More here: http://www.alternet.org/story/151426/...

[Betsy]

I knew there was a good reason why I hate arguments.

[Ian]

A good related article I just read is here: http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/...

[Jimmy]

Some terrific articles on this thread. Thanks Ian and Donegal.

[Betsy]

Fascinating. Makes me wonder about my own objectivity or lack thereof.

[[deleted user]]

Indeed. However, I think that knowing about these human tendencies is the first step toward avoiding them.