Neocons, neofascists, and tRump supporters, seem to be incapable of making cogent arguments or for that matter, recognizing a cogent counterargument when it is made. Once a scientist has performed an analysis and obtained some results, s/he usually steps back and asks probing internal questions about their work. How could I be wrong? Am I missing anything? What are the essential components of my work and what parts are secondary, being less important? Do I make too many secondary-supporting arguments? (An over abundance of small supporting details can actually weaken the crucial, major points as these can detract from the essential themes.) These types of questions are the mark of an individual using formal reasoning.
It is the lack of asking self-probing questions and the inability to understand the hierarchical importance of evidence that leads to the failure of some people to recognize or make cogent arguments. When all facts are of equal importance then irrelevant facts or even opinions taken as facts have equal weight in their minds. They also tend to accept unsubstantiated claims (i.e. alternative facts) as being as valid as any real fact. All arguments are then reduced in their minds to a “s/he said versus s/he said” case, where the individual being the most adamant, the most boisterous, and most unyielding is believed to have won their case in the minds of neocons, neofascists, and tRump supporters. It is also the reason those people will make dismissive counterarguments and then demand proof that they are wrong. It is merely an attempt to shift the burden of proof to their opponent with them being the final arbitrator of all arguments.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Excellent writing my friend.. Spot on and coherent too even the least educated. Science is knowledge and knowledge is the basis of evolution. If it works , it moves ahead. Science was developed to cultivate even the simplest thought into a rational application in every day life. Those opting not to read or learn are a result of various psychological issues such as hate, jealous, and so on. The scientific method serves to eliminate these biases. And the insecure mind serves only to protect itself.
EMC2
Level 8
Oct 20, 2018
0
In other words, the groups you refer to are not followers of reason, but ideology, theology, and faith based thinking, from which the worst human actions and behaviour results. We don't all have to be trained scientists NOT to think this, however. It is true that the decline in reason in modern discourse is one of the worrying things in the modern world. How can this be in a world where so much money is spent on education? Perhaps there is too much training for employment, but not education in thinking. There is currently a battle going on between reason and the enemies of reason and we are witnessing it. Your post describes that in practice very well.
David1955
Level 8
Oct 19, 2018
2
@TheAstroChuck fully concur on all points. Historians like Hannah Arendt on totalitarianism show us how economic collapse and transformation link to fascism and similar. A lot of figures on economies these days are bogus. Governments peddle this crap. The real figures concern disparity in wealth which get passed over. I also believe that at any one time around 20 to 30 percent of a population are fascist inclined. They favour simple solutions, glib cliches, 'strong' leaders, and scapegoats to blame. Usually they are dispersed across the political spectrum, or don't vote. Economic woes and a galvanising political autocrat and party bring them together. This makes a dangerous power block. Trump base is a prime example. You see it elsewhere now too. Anti democratic elites and plutocrats are always ready to take advantage of it. Progressive politics must find a way to respond. I'm not hopeful at the moment.
The typical citizen is not a scientist nor is much given to mental analysis. I think the typical citizen votes for a big, brash, mouthy guy like DT who tells lies and dares to wear a baseball cap with his suit.
Maybe it’s for the best. The leader of a wolfpack will always be the most wolffish of the wolves.
WilliamFleming
Level 8
Oct 19, 2018
2
I agree.
Another way of looking at this is a scientist approaches the issue with the issue being the subject. The non-analytical people make the issue personal.
dare2dream
Level 7
Oct 19, 2018
1
Fascism uses and feeds off the weak and ill educated!
Thank you for the post!
All I see when trump lords over his subjects at those high school pep rallies are those who feel left behind by their culture and their white trash society has unfriended them!
of-the-mountain
Level 9
Oct 19, 2018
0
Whoa.. those are some big words for the “ poorly educated” he loves so much.
Great post, trumpski has manipulated these people into thinking they are doing better. Until they wake up and smell the deficit, things for them will stay stagnant.
Green_eyes
Level 8
Oct 19, 2018
3
Terrific post. Unfortunately they have learned this works on the weak and the stupid, and they exploit it to the max.
Sticks48
Level 9
Oct 19, 2018
3
@TheAstroChuck That is why it works on the weak and the stupid. They keep these folks angry all the time. Even smart people make bad decisions when angry. The stupid will be no different, and are way more likely to vote with their emotions. They continually vote against there own best interests.
This is a great post!
SukiSue
Level 8
Oct 19, 2018
2
@TheAstroChuck ? there is so much to think about.
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