Well, apart from a circular argument being the opposite of self-contradictory *g* (I would have used the version of the Creed which says the "not one but three and not three but one" etc. as an example of the latter), I agree. Being taught science made me sceptical about reported and taught science, being taught religion made me sceptical about reported and taught religion, and both made me sceptical about "arguments from authority" or any kind (i.e. "X is an important person therefor what they say is correct").
And I agree completely with Zan's thesis that either we (those of 'us' who read this blog, and SF fans, and other "free thinkers") are some special sub-race with really powerful defence against bullshit, or that everyone makes their choices about what and who they prefer to believe. Oh, it's pleasant to indulge in what Gary calls 'tribalism' and think that 'we' are superior beings and better than all of 'them' who don't think for themselves, it makes us feel good about ourselves, but I do rather doubt that it's actualy true...
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2011-09-06 12:39 pm (UTC)And I agree completely with Zan's thesis that either we (those of 'us' who read this blog, and SF fans, and other "free thinkers") are some special sub-race with really powerful defence against bullshit, or that everyone makes their choices about what and who they prefer to believe. Oh, it's pleasant to indulge in what Gary calls 'tribalism' and think that 'we' are superior beings and better than all of 'them' who don't think for themselves, it makes us feel good about ourselves, but I do rather doubt that it's actualy true...