There may be a scientific answer for why conservatives and liberals disagree so vehemently over the existence of issues like climate change and specific types of crime.
A new study from Duke University finds that people will evaluate scientific evidence based on whether they view its policy implications as politically desirable. If they don't, then they tend to deny the problem even exists.
“Logically, the proposed solution to a problem, such as an increase in government regulation or an extension of the free market, should not influence one’s belief in the problem. However, we find it does,” said co-author Troy Campbell, a Ph.D. candidate at Duke's Fuqua School of Business. “The cure can be more immediately threatening than the problem.”
The researchers conducted three experiments (with samples ranging from 120 to 188 participants) on three different issues -- climate change, air pollution that harms lungs, and crime.
“The goal was to test, in a scientifically controlled manner, the question: Does the desirability of a solution affect beliefs in the existence of the associated problem? In other words, does what we call 'solution aversion' exist?" Campbell said.
"We found the answer is yes. And we found it occurs in response to some of the most common solutions for popularly discussed problems."
Participants in the experiment, including both self-identified Republicans and Democrats, read a statement asserting that global temperatures will rise 3.2 degrees in the 21st century. They were then asked to evaluate a proposed policy solution to address the warming.
When the policy solution emphasized a tax on carbon emissions or some other form of government regulation, which is generally opposed by Republican ideology, only 22 percent of Republicans said they believed the temperatures would rise at least as much as indicated by the scientific statement they read.
But when the proposed policy solution emphasized the free market, such as with innovative green technology, 55 percent of Republicans agreed with the scientific statement.
For Democrats, the same experiment recorded no difference in their belief, regardless of the proposed solution to climate change.
So to be clear we cannot do anything about protecting future generations from the ravages of man made climate change on this planet, because the Republicans don't like big government.
What a great thing to have etched onto the headstones of all of the people who will die of famine, disease, or drought in the years to come.
We could have saved you but we did not like the politics of those offering solutions.
And again, who is it that votes for these people? And what in the hell is wrong with them?
"... what in the hell is wrong with them"
ReplyDeleteMediocre intelligence and a lack of education for starters. Palin folk.
"For Democrats, the same experiment recorded no difference in their belief, regardless of the proposed solution to climate change."
ReplyDeleteThe Democrats in this study demonstrated critical thinking skills. The Republicans did not. They aren't wired that way. It is the reason the RW corporatist propaganda is so effective with these people. They are believers, not thinkers.
I don't know what the percentage is of "average" Republicans not believing in climate change is, but I would bet that 50% of the ones who deny it is due to someone like Limbaugh, Hannity, or Beck saying it's not true on the radio.
ReplyDeleteThat's all the proof they need. Their idols don't like it, so they reject it. Few are willing to research on their own and find out the relevant facts.
On top of that, another 40- 50% may be evangelical Christians or Catholics, and their world is shaped by not liking or believing in science if it contradicts their bible or their faith.
Of course these same Christians like "science" stuff if it runs their Ipad or PC, or helps their doctor perform a better operation, or powers the sattelites that carries their phone.
calls.
If science conflicts with their politics, then all bets are off, and uninformed people like Limbaugh or their pastor become fonts of wisdom
Conservatives have to like this: Save taxpayer's money AND defund climate change and environmental destruction by ending the enormous subsidies and tax breaks for animal agriculture!
ReplyDeleteWith 60+ BILLION food animals on the planet our best chance to mitigate climate change is to severely reduce consumption of animal foods. More than 1/3 of human induced warming is attributable to animal agriculture. Methane is 24 times more potent than CO2 but takes only 7 years to cycle out of the atmosphere. CO2 takes around 100 years to come out. Human pursuit of animal protein is the leading cause of methane release and a primary cause of CO2 concentrating in the atmosphere. Check the facts and act!
"As environmental science has advanced, it has become apparent that the human appetite for animal flesh is a driving force behind virtually every major category of environmental damage now threatening the human future: deforestation, erosion, fresh water scarcity, air and water pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice, the destabilization of communities, and the spread of disease." Worldwatch Institute, "Is Meat Sustainable?"
“If every American skipped one meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetables and grains... the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off of U.S. roads.” Environmental Defense Fund
"A 1% reduction in world-wide meat intake has the same benefit as a three trillion-dollar investment in solar energy." ~ Chris Mentzel, CEO of Clean Energy
There is one single industry destroying the planet more than any other. But no one wants to talk about it... http://cowspiracy.com
Step by Step Guide: How to Transition to a Vegan Diet http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/step-by-step-guide-how-to-transition-to-vegan-diet/
"Obama ain't takin' away my ability to eat a steak if I want a fuckin' steak, goddammit! Killin' n eatin' animals is our god-given right cuz it's in tha fuckin' bibull. Fuck a buncha coloreds n towel-headed commies, Muslims, and fascist socialists!" screamed every teabagger and redneck kkkristyun in "Reel Murica".
ReplyDeleteWhy does someone have to do a whole study (at what cost) to find out what we all know anyway? Look at Florida. It is apparently full of sinkholes and rising sea waters are already nibbling away at the edges. One would think that even Republicans there would want the US and the UN to do whatever is necessary to combat the effects of climate change. But no, they'll bury their heads because Charles and David Koch would not want them to do anything. And we're all supposed to know that the billionaires know best.
ReplyDeleteBeaglemom
In the seventies, these same scientists stated that the temperatures were cooling and we'll run out of fuel to keep warm. Then, as they learn more, it's global warming. Now it is not warming, but changing. The problem isn't that there are man made problems on the earth, it is that those that believe it don't actually get the message across.
ReplyDeleteThey could give more detailed data. They could give better explanations. Gore just bought a home on the shore. If waters are raising, and he believes it, why would he buy this house? Why would he buy another one altogether, instead of reducing his fingerprint?