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[–] shortass 0 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago 

yes. confirmation bias is a flaw in the human mind, i try to avoid it and think openly and freely. as for your last question it depends how much knowledge and experience i have on the subject. if the sciences are way beyond me. for example if they found a new up down left right anti quark. then i would be inclined to trust their judgement. but usually new discovery's almost always make sense and go with my gut feeling anyway.

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[–] Calorie-Kin [S] 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

A round earth was probably not inline with most people's gut feelings.

How can we then, as logical people, avoid confirmation bias? Do you notice when you're biased? How then can we expect others (this includes religious people) to stop for a second and re-evaluate their beliefs, when we ourselves react emotionally and not always objectively to things that aren't inline with our reasoning.

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[–] shortass 0 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago 

you avoid a confirmation bias by being ready at the drop of a hat to change what you understand/believe the moment new evidence arrives. it also helps if you can evaluate evidence objectively that takes practice.

as for changing peoples minds, just be honest when answering questions. if you don't know the answer say you don't know. don't get angry.. just explain the argument calmly and carefully.

i don't think i managed to change anyone's minds despite my best efforts. religion offers people without critical thinking skills a comfort which i cant replace.