Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> Skeptics can be convinced, they just need evidence

The past couple of years has convinced me this is 100% untrue.

People are very capable of ignoring evidence, in favour of something that:

a) reinforces previously held beliefs

b) allows them to remain in a social group



You describe dogmatism, not skepticism. Unfortunately, dogmatists often declare themselves as skeptics, but this is a rhetorical trick. Dogmatists doubt the competing beliefs, but not their own beliefs.


r/skeptic on reddit fits this perfectly. No one there is actually a skeptic just dogmatic and no evidence or counter points will sway them. If it was the time of Copernicus the sub would 100% side with the Church that the sun revolves around the earth and how Copernicus is "dangerous".


Neither a nor b are sceptics in general sense.


Yes, most people are not skeptics at all.

Most people believe what they are told at face value.

I stop just short of Feynman questioning the dentist on the evidence for brushing one's teeth. That there is potentially this ritual that goes around the globe as the sun rises of people pointlessly scrubbing their teeth.

Of course, with such a high % of people addicted in a clinical sense to the group think and propaganda engine of social media that is not how most people are going to think or even be capable of thinking.

If Feynman was more popular youtube would ban that video for dentistry misinformation even when the point of the video is to view things from a different perspective.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: