Surely the truth is the truth ?
• Why do some people believe in evolution and others believe in creation ?
• Why do some people believe in global warming and others do not ?
• Why do some people believe in using vaccines and others believe that they are harmful ?
• Why does support or rejection of these things separate along political divides and allegiances, or by nationality, or by religion ?
Scientists talk about the public understanding of science and push their side of the argument by communicating more and more facts and expecting rational response. What is missing is scientists’ understanding of the public. Psychologists talk about framing in communication, that the way you communicate, who makes the communication and various other factors affect beliefs. This is similar to the spin that politicians put on their arguments but differs in that framing does not distort the message; it only changes the context in which the communication is made. Spin is the modern take on propaganda; framing is providing an appealing context.
So the truth is still the truth, but belief is influenced by far more than facts and evidence. We believe the same things as our friends and our peers. We trust certain people, certain authority figures and distrust others. Our beliefs have context. It is unfortunate that certain groups have understood that they can use this to propagate lies whereas some more ethical groups have failed to understand that the truth does not speak for itself.
Liam Mor's Blog