Why do People Deny Such Obvious Things?

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Description

So much of politics today is about people denying things that others know to be perfectly true. From science to economics, to religious belief, people not only wave away obvious falsities, but they proudly act inconsistently. How can someone dismiss expertise but insist on having a surgeon, when they need one? Why do some people cite research proving climate change but ignore the studies that defend genetically modified food? On this episode, we explore denialism and inconsistency, while trying to make sense of personal belief.

Adrian Bardon is Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University. He is the author of A Brief History of the Philosophy of Time and The Truth About Denial: Bias and Self-Deception in Science, Politics, and Religion both published by Oxford University Press.

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Publication Date

1-11-2026

Publisher

Institute for Philosophy in Public Life

City

Grand Forks, ND

Disciplines

Philosophy

Why do People Deny Such Obvious Things?

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