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astropin
SFN Regular
USA
970 Posts |
 Posted - 02/10/2005 : 11:17:16
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Ok Kil,
I've been doing some more reading on the topic, including your new report, and have tentatively concluded that the False Memory Syndrome Foundation is wrong. Wrong in the sense that they simply do not have enough evidence to be jumping to their conclusion. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Some repression is occurring and a fair amount of false memories are occurring. I word it that way because I do see clear evidence of false memories, but I see no evidence showing that repression cannot occur. This whole area is a very slippery slope. We don't want to see the falsely accused persecuted and we don't want to see sicko's getting away with abuse. My conclusions are never written in stone but to this point they are such:
False memories do exist.
Repressed memories probably exist
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I would rather face a cold reality than delude myself with comforting fantasies.
You are free to believe what you want to believe and I am free to ridicule you for it.
Atheism:
The result of an unbiased and rational search for the truth.
Infinitus est numerus stultorum |
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2005 : 09:44:05 [Permalink]
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Thanks for doing more research into the false memory and repression question.
I think there is evidence that repressed memories do happen. Beyond that, my complaint with the FMSF, along with making up a syndrome that does not exist, is the assumption that unless there is corroborative evidence, then it must be a false memory. Since that kind of evidence is hard to come by in many cases, it becomes a case of word against word. I understand a support group for the accused but taking the position that the accuser is necessarily crazy, with a definable syndrome, simply because the accusation is denied is ridiculous.
The idea that skeptics do not question that kind of certainty with regard to recovered memories and the FMSF position, I believe, demonstrates that even we can suspend critical thinking when it is convenient. For the most part, I think many skeptics have fallen for an argument from authority because it felt good. The bottom line is that we can be wrong.
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Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
Why not question something for a change?
Genetic Literacy Project |
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