"Is anybody looking at the picture of the alien model on this web page? It is not the same as the alien filmed in the snow. For one, the model is blue. The alien has skin and is orange. Is anybody paying attention? This model was made after the fact, to try and discredit the actual alien body. The model does not resemble the actual alien body. Is anyone out there not an idiot? - Eric, Detroit, USA" (and a response to that comment: "It's called mould [sic]") That's a brilliant example of humans' willingness to twist situations to fit preconceived notions -- the propensity to entertain thoughts of conspiracies. What is the evolutionary basis for this behavior, I wonder? What do we gain from the ability to construct elaborate explanations counter to simple explanations? Or is it a side effect of rational thought?
Well, if I was a prey, I would surely question the presented reality of my camouflaged predator fellow critters. Ditto if I was a hungry n-ped looking for something to feed my hungry stomach! :) http://www.google.com/search?q=camouflage+animals&tbm=is... It certainly gives one an evolutionary edge to not be entirely too trusting of presented "facts". As cognitive beings, we are fundamentally engaged in surpassing our senses' bandwidth in constructing and maintaining the artificial reality in our heads. Memory is one tool in our toolkit. Spinning alternative readings of the input is another. Getting together and comparing notes -- communication -- is another. Why this is becoming such an issue these days? Simple: the people have come to view their relationship with the powers that be as one of predator-prey. The issue is lack of trust. Some say they have entirely rational reasons to think this way. Some disagree. My assertion: The very essence of thought is questioning the immediate perception ... and sometimes getting carried away in the process: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok5QfT8QyaM/TVk9NbxBozI/AAAAAAAAAc...
