Off Topic — HabitableZone

Off Topic » in reply to R-A-S-P-B-E-R-R-Y

"Pseudoskepticism"
Lindy — (archived)

Actually, I found the descriptions very telling. Even if one wishes to argue the word "pseudo" INSTEAD OF THE VERY APT DESCRIPTION of a "pseudoskeptic".
They are ADVERSE to the topic to the point it twists their mental processes into denial or outrage. We see this in the abortion clinic bombers who kill life by thinking they are saving it. Completely unreasonable, to the point of being absurd. And although "psuedoskeptics" are irrational, at least they're not violent.

Their thinking processes have been scuttled by their self-righteousness.
Is it out of fear? Or the inability to process past their comfort zone?
I think awareness may have something to do with this. Some never get past the world they live in, the world they've created. And it's hard for them to accept anything that doesn't fit into their comfort zone. I know MANY people like that. It's not that that's bad or wrong, but all should be open to learn. Denial is a form of stulted growth.

I loved the characteristics of a "pseudoskeptics":

The tendency to deny, rather than doubt
Double standards in the application of criticism
The making of judgments without full inquiry
Tendency to discredit, rather than investigate
Use of ridicule or ad hominem attacks
Presenting insufficient evidence or proof
Pejorative labeling of proponents as 'promoters', 'pseudoscientists' or practitioners of 'pathological science.'
Assuming criticism requires no burden of proof
Making unsubstantiated counter-claims
Counter-claims based on plausibility rather than empirical evidence
Suggesting that unconvincing evidence is grounds for dismissing it
Tendency to dismiss all evidence

There certainly are a couple here on this board.

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