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I've heard of a strategy that can help some people challenge their belief for issues like homeopathy or flat earth. The idea is to ask them to rate on a scale o

I've heard of a strategy that can help some people challenge their belief for issues like homeopathy or flat earth. The idea is to ask them to rate on a scale of 1-10 the strength of their belief. As in, "how convinced are you on a scale of 1-10 that the earth is flat?". If they give anything less than 10, you then follow up by asking them why that score and why not a higher or lower score as in (if they said e.g., 8/10): "What would make it a 9/10 or a 10/10?". Basically having them "ironman" the opposite side of the argument can cause people to start to think more objectively about the issue. However, if the person says 10/10 there apparently isn't much that can be done. I've never tried this myself as I don't have any flat earther or homeopathy believers in my entourage, but it does seem to make sense and I've used this to question some of my beliefs myself. Not saying it would work with your family members either though.

antisthenes 2y ago
Here's a better strategy: don't waste time on engaging them on that topic. The best possible outcome is that you waste a ton of your time (and theirs), and convince them that the Earth isn't flat. Did anyone benefit? If we chose to try and convince people about everything they are wrong about, we'd be endlessly debating about every minor thing that's already been established and replicated.
- Sirizarry 2y ago
  I dunno man there are plenty of smart people that have simply been misled or are in circumstances where they’re more easily prone to fall into these kinds of traps. Nice and good people too. It feels cruel to not spend at least a little time helping them help themselves. At the end of the day of course it’s your decision what you wanna waste time on but it’s I find it’s a worthwhile pursuit for those I’ve bonded with
- skrebbel 2y ago
  If it’s someone you love it might not be a waste of time, esp if you can pull it off in a constructive way that makes both people feel respected and appreciated regardless of where the discussion goes.
- plorkyeran 2y ago
  Yes, convincing my family members to take actual medicine rather than rely on homeopathic remedies has benefits.

antisthenes 2y ago

Here's a better strategy: don't waste time on engaging them on that topic. The best possible outcome is that you waste a ton of your time (and theirs), and convince them that the Earth isn't flat. Did anyone benefit? If we chose to try and convince people about everything they are wrong about, we'd be endlessly debating about every minor thing that's already been established and replicated.

Sirizarry 2y ago
I dunno man there are plenty of smart people that have simply been misled or are in circumstances where they’re more easily prone to fall into these kinds of traps. Nice and good people too. It feels cruel to not spend at least a little time helping them help themselves. At the end of the day of course it’s your decision what you wanna waste time on but it’s I find it’s a worthwhile pursuit for those I’ve bonded with
skrebbel 2y ago
If it’s someone you love it might not be a waste of time, esp if you can pull it off in a constructive way that makes both people feel respected and appreciated regardless of where the discussion goes.
plorkyeran 2y ago
Yes, convincing my family members to take actual medicine rather than rely on homeopathic remedies has benefits.