I also agree with the post’s assertion that relying on the absurdity heuristic alone is dangerous ground, it is still an excellent tool for at least calling in to question a set of beliefs which, upon further and more rigorous examination, may or may not merit rejection.
But, I must protest, a talking snake is not “a really bad reason” to reject that set of common beliefs. It is an EXCELLENT reason.
thomblake:
I also agree with the post’s assertion that relying on the absurdity heuristic alone is dangerous ground, it is still an excellent tool for at least calling in to question a set of beliefs which, upon further and more rigorous examination, may or may not merit rejection.
But, I must protest, a talking snake is not “a really bad reason” to reject that set of common beliefs. It is an EXCELLENT reason.
Snakes do not talk.