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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.

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    Why Don't Facts Matter?
    1. 1:22British PM Theresa May calls for snap general election in June
    2. 7:55Why Don't Facts Matter?You’re reading this
    3. 41:48Why tax reform is hard and will get harder
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Yael Even Or

      Producer, 'Press Play'

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Luke Vander Ploeg

      Producer, 'To the Point'

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Evan George

      Director of Content, News

    • KCRW placeholder

      Thomas Nichols

      Naval War College

    • KCRW placeholder

      Tali Sharot

      University College London

    • KCRW placeholder

      Willie Parker

      Abortion provider and reproductive justice advocate

      NewsNationalPolitics

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    Why Don't Facts Matter?
    1. 1:22British PM Theresa May calls for snap general election in June
    2. 7:55Why Don't Facts Matter?You’re reading this
    3. 41:48Why tax reform is hard and will get harder
    Back to To the Point