The Backfire Effect � You Are Not So Smart

The Backfire Effect � You Are Not So Smart: "So, if the future we were promised is now here, why isn’t it the ultimate triumph of science and reason?"

For one, "science" is done by humans and non-science is presented as science. Therefore is is logical to be wary of anything presented as "science". Also, scientific studies are often limited in scope to the point where most people draw conclusions that aren't warranted. Rejecting those conclusions isn't the same as rejecting science.

"Days later, when the world learned they would be denied photographic proof [of Osama's death], the conspiracy theories grew legs, left the ocean and evolved into self-sustaining undebunkable life forms."

I don't see that as a rejection of science because there was no scientific proof provided. (I also don't believe that releasing the photos would matter because it is so easy to fake that.)

The Backfire Effect � You Are Not So Smart

The Backfire Effect � You Are Not So Smart: "Each group then read the fake studies full of pretend facts and figures suggesting their worldview was wrong. On either side of the issue, after reading studies which did not support their beliefs, most people didn’t report an epiphany, a realization they’ve been wrong all these years. Instead, they said the issue was something science couldn’t understand. When asked about other topics later on, like spanking or astrology, these same people said they no longer trusted research to determine the truth. Rather than shed their belief and face facts, they rejected science altogether."

If lies are presented as "science", there is logic in rejecting "science".