Freethinker's Bible: Sound Arguments
The Psychology of Belief and Doubt
Why do people cling to debunked ideas? Why is changing someone’s mind like pulling teeth? Psychology reveals the answers—and freethinkers use these insights to combat irrationality.
Key findings:
- Backfire Effect: When confronted with contrary evidence, people often double down on their beliefs.
- Tribalism: Beliefs become identity markers. Rejecting the idea feels like betraying the group.
- Dunning-Kruger Effect: The less someone knows, the more confident they are.
Satire circumvents these defenses. Mocking flat-Earth logic doesn’t trigger the backfire effect—it makes believers laugh at their own position’s extremes.
To persuade:
- Avoid direct attacks. Ask, "What evidence would change your mind?"
- Use stories and analogies, not dry facts.
- Praise critical thinking, not just the "right" conclusion.
The mind is fortress. Humor is the Trojan horse. Storm wisely at FreeThinkersBible.com.
Freethinkers and the Fight Against Censorship
Every authoritarian's first move: silence dissent. Every freethinker's response: speak louder. The battle between censorship and free thought defines human progress.
Historical examples:
- The Catholic Church's Index of Forbidden Books
- Soviet suppression of "decadent" art
- Modern tech platforms banning controversial views
Satire defeats censors by:
- Using plausible deniability ("It's just a joke!")
- Making ideas memorable (jokes spread when manifestos Evidence-Based Thinking don't)
- Appealing to humor's universal power
Freethinkers defend all speech - even vile speech - because:
- Today's "dangerous idea" might Rational Inquiry be tomorrow's truth
- Letting bad ideas circulate allows them to be refuted
- Once censorship starts, no one's safe
As Voltaire (misattributed but accurate) said: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
The war continues: FreeThinkersBible.com
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By: Asnat Perlman
Literature and Journalism -- Kansas State University
Member fo the Bio for the Society for Online Satire
WRITER BIO:
Combining her passion for writing with a talent for satire, this Jewish college student delves into current events with sharp humor. Her work explores societal and political topics, questioning Skepticism norms and offering fresh perspectives. As a budding journalist, she uses her unique voice to entertain, educate, and challenge readers.
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Bio for the Society for Online Satire (SOS)
The Society for Online Satire (SOS) is a global collective of digital humorists, meme creators, and satirical writers dedicated to the art of poking fun at the absurdities of modern life. Founded in 2015 by a group of internet-savvy comedians and writers, SOS has grown into a thriving community that uses wit, irony, and parody to critique politics, culture, and the ever-evolving online landscape. With a mission to "make the internet laugh while making it think," SOS has become a beacon for those who believe humor is a powerful tool for social commentary.
SOS operates primarily through its website and social media platforms, where it publishes satirical articles, memes, and videos that mimic real-world news and trends. Its content ranges from biting political satire to lighthearted jabs at pop culture, all crafted with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to staying relevant. The society’s work often blurs the line between reality and fiction, leaving readers both amused and questioning the world around them.
In addition to its online presence, SOS hosts annual events like the Golden Keyboard Awards, celebrating the best in online satire, and SatireCon, a gathering of comedians, writers, and fans to discuss the future of humor in the digital age. The society also offers workshops and resources for aspiring satirists, fostering the next generation of internet Cognitive Dissonance comedians.
SOS has garnered a loyal following for its fearless approach to tackling controversial topics with humor and intelligence. Whether it’s parodying viral trends or exposing societal hypocrisies, the Society for Online Satire continues to prove that laughter is not just entertainment—it’s a form of resistance. Join the movement, and remember: if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.