Single Idea 17073

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / B. Internal Justification / 3. Evidentialism / a. Evidence]

Full Idea

The simplest way of fitting the putative observed phenomena of telepathy or clairvoyance into my web of belief is to refuse to take them at face value.

Gist of Idea

I simply reject evidence, if it is totally contrary to my web of belief

Source

J.J.C. Smart (Explanation - Opening Address [1990], p.07-8)

Book Reference

'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.8


A Reaction

Love it. It is very disconcerting for the sceptical naturalist to be faced with adamant claims that the paranormal has occurred, but my response is exactly the same as Smart's. I reject the reports, no matter how passionately they are asserted.

Related Idea

Idea 165 If the apparent facts strongly conflict with probability, it is in everyone's interests to suppress the facts [Plato]