When Beliefs and Facts Collide

schnell writes A New York Times article discusses a recent Yale study that shows that contrary to popular belief, increased scientific literacy does not correspond to increased belief in accepted scientific findings when it contradicts their religious or political views. The article notes that this is true across the political/religious spectrum and "factual and scientific evidence is often ineffective at reducing misperceptions and can even backfire on issues like weapons of mass destruction, health care reform and vaccines." So what is to be done? The article suggests that "we need to try to break the association between identity and factual beliefs on high-profile issues – for instance, by making clear that you can believe in human-induced climate change and still be a conservative Republican."

Comments

Re:It's Okay

[Anonymous Coward]

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

Mahatma Gandhi

Re:It's Okay

[mi]

Oh, wow! An upset Illiberal. With a fellow upset Illiberal downmodding me, while upmodding his brethren. You two dimwits. There is not The Right to be telling me, what to think. I am telling them instead. Feeling better? You found the nest, congratulations. What are you two pathetic little commies-lite going to do about it? Stare at your Che Guevara portraits for inspiration?

Share you little agenda-points with me to confirm my accusation? What? Why am I supposed to listen, to what your kind "actually thinks" — are you so sure, you have a modicum of original thought in there, that it is worth noting — and posting on /.?