Believe It or Not: An Examination of the Nature and Implications of Evidence-Resistant Beliefs

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to contribute to a growing body of academic research regarding the nature and origin of evidence-resistant belief systems and examine the influence that they have upon our lives. This examination of the origin of these beliefs draws on two intellectual disciplines: psychology and epistemology. A psychological approach examines the cognitive mechanisms that allow for the formation and persistence of these beliefs. The psychological approach focuses on the biological drives of belief formation and resilience. Furthermore, an examination of the psychology of identity shows an entanglement of one’s identity with belief systems that allows for this persistence. The epistemological framework relies on social and virtue epistemology, theories of knowledge regarding its relationship to our social environment and virtuous practices, to create an understanding of the nature of these beliefs and how they interact with the broader environment of which they are part. These beliefs become important because of the inextricable relationship between knowledge and power. This ability of influence is effective in both others and the individual. The continued existence of these beliefs can empower the individual to alter and shape the beliefs of others, the way that individuals interact with one another, how these effects ripple out, and the way we view and mentally structure society. Within the scope of the individual, this poses a significant cost to the believers. Ultimately, evidence-resistant beliefs should be morally condemned and there is an urgent imperative on the believer to resist these beliefs once they take hold