Let us also keep in mind that sometimes what is or isn’t sufficient evidence is often in the mind of the closed – minded beholder. A closed mind will always consider /or not consider what evidence they want to consider.

Not only is seeing believing, but the opposite can also be equally true. In other words, believing can be a way of seeing.

A stubbornly arrogant and closed – minded person will often continue to stubbornly deny /ignore evidence even when it is provided for them and placed directly under their nose. It often takes an open mind to acknowlege evidence and recognize it for what it is even when it’s present. It can be sort of like the old saying about leading a horse to water, but still can’t make him drink. The definition open – minded means just exactly that : you have to be willing to intellectually seek evidence …. rather than throw the off – switch to the brain and deliberately quit thinking …. because of preconcieved dogmas that have already got your mind ” made – up “. Not only is pseudoscience like religion and witchcraft like this, I’ve also seen the same type of critical error in reason within the mainstream science establishment occasionally from time to time.

I guess the main concept here is whether somebody is willing to place too much faith in something ” pre – evidence ” , as opposed to not wanting to believe something even after ” post – evidence “. Once again, I recommend a healthy balance of both faith and skepticism when it comes to the scientific method of critical thinking.