Particularly interesting since I (and, I suspect, others on LW) usually attach positive affect to the word “skeptic”, since it seems to us that naivete is the more common error. But of course a Creationist is sceptical of evolution.
(Apparently both spellings are correct. I’ve learned something today.)
LW’s standards for rationality quotes vary, but in any case this does allow for the reading of endorsing allowing perceived evidence to override pre-existing beliefs, if one ignores the standard connotations of “skeptic” and “missionary”.
A quote that calls the holder of a potentially wrong belief a “skeptic” rather than a “believer” is more useful since it makes you more likely to identify with him.
Robert Brault
Am I the only one who didn’t realize before reading other comments that he was not claiming to have been converted by his nostrils?
Particularly interesting since I (and, I suspect, others on LW) usually attach positive affect to the word “skeptic”, since it seems to us that naivete is the more common error. But of course a Creationist is sceptical of evolution.
(Apparently both spellings are correct. I’ve learned something today.)
I’d call creatonists “evolution deniers” before I’d call them “evolution skeptics”, but I suppose they’d do the same to me with God...
I must be misinterpreting this, because it appears to say “religion is obvious if you just open your eyes.” How is that a rationality quote?
LW’s standards for rationality quotes vary, but in any case this does allow for the reading of endorsing allowing perceived evidence to override pre-existing beliefs, if one ignores the standard connotations of “skeptic” and “missionary”.
I guess, but that seems like a strange interpretation seeing as the speaker says he’s no longer “a skeptic” in general.
The point of rationality isn’t to better argue against beliefs you consider wrong but to change your existing beliefs to be more correct.
That’s a good reminder but I’m not sure how it applies here.
A quote that calls the holder of a potentially wrong belief a “skeptic” rather than a “believer” is more useful since it makes you more likely to identify with him.
Also judging from his other quotes I’m pretty sure that’s not what he meant...