"Skepticism is often framed as the absence of belief, a rational perspective that withholds judgment until sufficient evidence appears. In the scientific and intellectual world, it is treated as the default position of objectivity, presumed to be free from the distortions that accompany a belief. However, neuroscience provides a different perspective. Skepticism can be a belief system Skepticism has an important place in science when it's used in a genuinely neutral way-most clearly through what scientists call the null hypothesis."
"In simple terms, the null hypothesis is a starting assumption that says, "Let's assume nothing unusual is happening until the evidence shows otherwise." It's not a claim about reality; it's a way of slowing things down so researchers don't jump to conclusions too quickly. Used properly, the null hypothesis gives science a baseline for comparison and reminds us to test ideas carefully before accepting them."
Skepticism is commonly presented as withholding judgment until sufficient evidence appears. The null hypothesis serves as a neutral starting assumption that treats no unusual effect as the default until evidence shows otherwise. When skepticism is used as a methodological tool it provides a baseline and slows premature conclusions. Skepticism can become a defended position, however, turning into a belief that a phenomenon is unlikely, nonexistent, or already explained. Beliefs alter perception and attention, making confirming information more salient and disconfirming evidence easier to dismiss. Neuroscience shows that these processes often occur unconsciously and change what counts as evidence and its perceived credibility.
Read at Psychology Today
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