The Dissenter

#1048 Mona Simion: Why Do People Resist Evidence?

Jan 20, 2025
Guest
Mona Simion
Dr. Mona Simion, a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the COGITO Epistemology Research Centre at the University of Glasgow, dives into the intriguing topic of resistance to evidence. She explains the phenomenon of epistemic vigilance and how it affects belief formation. The conversation highlights critical decision-making processes, such as climate change and vaccination, while discussing virtue-responsibilism. Additionally, they tackle the challenges posed by misinformation and the need for better communication strategies to enhance trust in scientific evidence.
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INSIGHT

Normativity's Place

  • Psychology describes; philosophy evaluates.
  • Philosophical accounts differentiate between rational and irrational resistance, crucial for understanding complex situations.
INSIGHT

Epistemic Vigilance Limitations

  • Epistemic vigilance, while theoretically plausible, has limitations.
  • Studies suggest humans aren't great at vigilance, even in familiar settings, and often rely on background evidence.
INSIGHT

Positive vs. Negative Epistemology

  • Positive epistemology emphasizes epistemic obligations, not just permissions.
  • Recent phenomena highlight the dangers of not believing when evidence warrants it, unlike traditional negative epistemology.
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