Science Memes

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Big Science (mander.xyz)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 34 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I agree with

Science is not truth. Science is finding the truth.

That being said, you certainly can disagree with a scientific outcome. Good science relies on such types of discussions. If someone has a disagreement, then, by all means, please conduct an experiment to show that it's wrong, or express your opinion and be open to discussion.

[–] KredeSeraf 30 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I think it's more about the spirit and legitimacy of the disagreement. "I checked the numbers and stuff seems fishy" is very different than "Facebook told me essential oils cure cancer and doctors are lizards harvesting our brains". Discussion with people who are also seeking the truth helps. Denial of a point you don't like because Infowars says otherwise doesn't.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Keep in mind that dismissing an argument as unworthy, is not an argument for why it is unsound. Furthermore, refusing to engage someone's argument also doesn't help in pointing them on a better path.

[–] KredeSeraf 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Dismissing an argument for lack of substantive foundation is absolutely an argument for why it is unsound. And I am all for pointing someone on another path. Unfortunately the vast, vast majority of people I have encountered in this vein have had this problem with doubling down when presented with evidence contrary to their belief.

People living with those kind of delusions, that evidence proving their point wrong doesn't at least warrant a second look, cannot be reasoned with. I reserve my efforts for people with any level of an open mind. Disagreement can be productive, but only when people engage honestly.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Dismissing an argument for lack of substantive foundation is absolutely an argument for why it is unsound.

Sure, the argument could be unsound, but do note that that doesn't necessitate that the conclusion is also false. That would effectively be an argument from fallacy. Also that isn't exactly what I was trying to say — I was talking about how some people avoid engaging with certain classes of people because they don't think that their arguments are worthy — e.g. flat earthers.

Unfortunately the vast, vast majority of people I have encountered in this vein have had this problem with doubling down when presented with evidence contrary to their belief.

This is indeed an issue. I'm not entirely sure what its cause is. Perhaps it's fear of ridicule, or ostracization? I think the best grassroots method to fix it would be teaching and advocating for proper critical thinking skills.

People living with those kind of delusions, that evidence proving their point wrong doesn’t at least warrant a second look, cannot be reasoned with.

Dealing with irrationality is a tricky thing. How does one reason with someone who is unreasonable? I personally don't think abandoning them is the best solution, but, that being said, I also don't have an alternative.