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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Why Don't Facts Matter?

In this divided nation, more and more people respond only to new information that reinforces their established opinions. When they're presented with facts that contradict what they believe, their opinions get stronger — even when the contradictory evidence is irrefutable.

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By Warren Olney • Apr 18, 2017 • 1 min read

In this divided nation, more and more people respond only to new information that reinforces their established opinions. When they're presented with facts that contradict what they believe, their opinions get stronger — even when the contradictory evidence is irrefutable. Has the country become the Emotional States of America, or is there something about the way the human brain is wired? Is it the consequence of our culture, our politics or the way our brains are structured? We talk to a neuroscientist, a foreign-policy expert, and an obstetrician who performs abortions in Alabama in the name of science… and Christianity.

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Yael Even Or

    Producer, 'Press Play'

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    Luke Vander Ploeg

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • KCRW placeholder

    Thomas Nichols

    Naval War College

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    Tali Sharot

    University College London

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    Willie Parker

    Abortion provider and reproductive justice advocate

    NewsNationalPolitics
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