Always ask yourself: “What evidence would convince me that I’m wrong?” If the answer is, “nothing,” then you are not adhering to the rules of science or logic. - ThreadSky

jonathanstea.bsky.social • 44 days ago

Always ask yourself:

“What evidence would convince me that I’m wrong?”

If the answer is, “nothing,” then you are not adhering to the rules of science or logic.

Comments

seenadsgo.bsky.social•44 days ago

…what do you mean, “evidence”? 🧐

whatthefuckshauna.bsky.social•44 days ago

This is SUCH a good point to make. The people that refuse to believe in science don’t seem to understand that science is about finding out where you were wrong.

jonathanstea.bsky.social•44 days ago

😊👍

natehendley.bsky.social•44 days ago

Many fundamentalists (religious, political, "anti-pharma/anti-vax", etc) assume their opponents have an equally all-encompassing, good or evil, faith-based worldview and are baffled by nuance or changing your opinion based on new, objective evidence.

revdrmatt.bsky.social•44 days ago

The other funny thing (saying this as a cognitive scientist and theologian) they don’t want to hear what the Bible actually says either. (Ie. Heaven isn’t a place we go forever, it comes here; fetus’ do not have personhood; only non-consensual same sex intercourse is prohibited, etc.)

lmh82.bsky.social•44 days ago

Religious fundamentalism was recently linked to brain damage.
https://www.rawstory.com/2018/03/scientists-established-link-brain-damage-religious-fundamentalism/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG2lgNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHR1oY_pE9vikjibQQci7leAMu6Uc-rv8HxdBCK7e6YkaToTk3bMlVNkljQ_aem_ddVfkQ1iYtrvjeasPQfMgg

revdrmatt.bsky.social•44 days ago

This research was published in a couple reputable journals, including the APAs Psychology of Religion journal last year. In the interest of accuracy, however, “brain damage” overstates the findings. Also - it’s a bit of a “chicken and egg” situation at the moment; pathology or beliefs first?

hydnon.bsky.social•44 days ago

I am open to changing my mind when presented with evidence that disproves my beliefs. Religion and pseudoscience, however, often do not allow for such flexibility

revdrmatt.bsky.social•43 days ago

The Desert Fathers and Mothers allowed for it, as did many in the Celtic Christian tradition. We have the likes of Augustine to thank for the suppression of such theological thought.

hydnon.bsky.social•43 days ago

Why rely on a deity to engage in any activity when you can accomplish it independently, often with less emotional turmoil?

lmh82.bsky.social•44 days ago

I'm always willing to learn more. Once you know better, do better.

theartistsway.co.uk•44 days ago

I'd argue it's more exciting if a theory is shown as incorrect. Investigations are still alive! 😉

statsig.bsky.social•43 days ago

Only when you’re not in the middle of writing your dissertation 😅

rmcenta.bsky.social•44 days ago

Great quote! I love using this "principle of falsifiability" demonstration to make this point about evidence and claims in science: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19wMuBsstn0UFVpomP8pbbhX09MZzXGuaNjqIZtgnT_A/edit?usp=sharing

#TeachLearnSky

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