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djcb comments on Leaving a line of retreat for theists - Less Wrong Discussion
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Most believers (in God or other kinds of unproven phenomena) that I met seem quite hard to convince with reasoning -- because that's just not how they think. Often, there seems to be some amorphous blob of beliefs and convictions, and the Arrows Of Reason simply bounce off.
Many people simply do not seem interested in thinking about the reasons for their beliefs, let alone question them.
I agree. Thought when the amorphous blobs of beliefs are tied to religion I at least sort of expect them to be there and plan accordingly.
So, you have some specific method of dealing with these people and their blobs? Can you elaborate? My usual method is avoiding debates with such people, but I wonder if there some better way...
Speak in Deep Wisdom. Choose the things you would like them to believe, such as "form beliefs based on evidence", and make it sound like a beautiful poetic truth.
This borders dangerously on Dark Arts, though. If someone is capable of better forms of reasoning, then only use the best they're capable of, even if a more flawed argument could get them to the right conclusion. And, of course, try to convey the most meta ideas you can -- "use evidence", not "disbelieve religion".
That's exactly what I found in my interactions with evangelical Christians especially. (Also, they take into account "evidence" that is only valid if they already believe in God AND the whole Christianity-specific complex...i.e. quoting Bible verses to make a point.)