Belief systems respond to contrary evidence by discounting the evidence
Evidence
In science, contrary evidence is a reason to question a theory. In religion or a belief system, contrary evidence is a reason to question the evidence. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1048
Categorization
Category: Contrarian or Surprising Claims
- APHORISMS: A compact, reusable formulation of the asymmetry between empirical and belief-based reasoning
Related
- Confrontation with contrary evidence can intensify rather than weaken firm belief. (similarity 0.85)
- Disconfirming evidence can strengthen rather than weaken committed beliefs. (similarity 0.81)
- Unfounded beliefs fade over time but reason is a thin crust over passion. (similarity 0.79)
- Believers view science as fixed dogma while seeing beliefs as personal experience (similarity 0.79)
- Consensus-based truth theories cannot justify specific assertions (similarity 0.79)
- Disconfirming evidence rarely topples deeply held doctrines and worldviews. (similarity 0.79)
- Cognitive dissonance strengthens rather than weakens false beliefs under contrary evidence (similarity 0.78)
- Scientists pursue truth by actively seeking invalidation of their beliefs (similarity 0.78)
Broader Connections
- Acting-trust pressure can rearrange beliefs to justify exceptions
#exemplifies(0.90) — Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking Cooperative…, 2764 - Reputation substitutes for truth in scientific and cognitive contexts
#qualifies(0.75) — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 736