Never say, and never take seriously anyone who says, 'I cannot believe that so-and-so could have evolved by gradual selection'. I have dubbed this kind of fallacy 'the Argument from Personal Incredulity'. Time and again, it has proven the prelude to an intellectual banana-skin experience.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Dismissing evolution because it feels unbelievable is a logical fallacy that leads to poor reasoning.
- In plain terms
- Do not reject a theory just because you find it hard to believe.
- What can you take from it?
- Personal disbelief is not a valid scientific argument.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do people reject evolution?
- How can we overcome personal incredulity?
Another view
Some people find evolutionary concepts genuinely difficult to reconcile with personal views.
More from Richard Dawkins
Your DNA may be destined to mingle with mine. Salutations!
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Permalink to quote #55 Scientific beliefs are supported by evidence, and they get results. Myths and faiths are not and do not.
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