This reminds me of AronRa's analysis of people like creationists, who tend to refuse to take part in public debates they know they might lose, simply because th

This reminds me of AronRa's analysis of people like creationists, who tend to refuse to take part in public debates they know they might lose, simply because they do not want to learn things which might shatter their faith. And on the other hand double down when they know they're wrong, in an attempt to stay convinced of their delusion. There seems to be a strong urge to "be right" or at least feel like it, and if it takes shouting louder than the other side that's what they'll do.