Truth claims are often intensely disputed, but that is
all the more reason to be vigilant. Some methods for arriving at understandings
of the truth are more reliable than others. In fact, some methods are blatantly
dishonest, especially those that are tainted by a bias against science and, in
general, any evidence that contradicts what they already believe. Scientific
consensus is never final, but the very recognition that it is not final
actually adds credibility. Truth claims that can't be questioned and tested are
highly suspect. It is disingenuous to attack science on the basis that
scientists change their minds.
Unfortunately, the sense of certainty that accompanies
popular delusions can feel more true than the disconcerting uncertainty that
accompanies honest evaluation of actual evidence, and there is nothing more
dangerous than a mob of people who are absolutely convinced that they are right
and therefore that they need to do whatever it takes to pursue what they
believe needs to happen. To a great extent, the problem is in a shortage of
critical thinking, but it actually goes deeper than that.
Even smart, highly educated people can get sucked into
groupthink, which is collective stupidity that comes about when those who would
dispute mainstream beliefs feel pressured to go along or when it just doesn’t
even occur to anyone to ask questions. The textbook example of groupthink is
the Challenger disaster. The remedy for groupthink is inherently uncomfortable
because some of the questions that need to be asked would shake the very
foundations of the prevailing value system. Sacred cows become fair game. Since
what is being challenged is what seems like the only conceivable truth, the
challenge is perceived to be obviously false. We can’t always trust what feels
true or what feels like the right thing to do. We need to listen to what our
hearts seem to be telling us, but we also need to keep our eyes open.
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