Here’s an interesting article on Why Smart People Defend Bad Ideas. There’s a bloke matching that description where I work, so I read this essay with interest.
As most of us know, someone who is proficient at arguing and persuasive of character can win the day with an argument that is fundamentally flawed, especially if the people around him are apathetic or less well versed in the art of debate. This article sheds some light on why people will sometimes refute the obvious and defend the ridiculous.
Very interesting article. Sounds like his book might be worth reading.