> it is a general principle of civility that we should believe people by default, unless we have good reason not to That is appropriate in social situations, n

> it is a general principle of civility that we should believe people by default, unless we have good reason not to That is appropriate in social situations, not in situations with significant consequences. If lives are at stake (or even lots of poeple's money), the burden of proof is on the person making the claim. For example, that is true in the legal system, in science, and when you give a presentation to your boss. Saying 'you should believe me by default' doesn't go over well in those situations.