Why We Believe Obvious Untruths Summary

In the article, “Why We Believe Obvious Untruths”, by Philip Fernbach, Fernbach argues that people need to realize their individual ignorance in order to differentiate truths from lies. He believes that people are quick to believe anything they are told, even is what they are being told is obviously untrue. Fernbach convinces us of the nescience of human nature through the use of logical reasoning, scientific evidence, and a clever metaphor.
Fernbach uses logical reasoning to exemplify the superficial understanding of humans. In the sixth paragraph, he includes an example of everyone knowing that the earth revolves around the sun, but not understanding the astronomical observations and calculations that led to that conclusion. He makes an example of everyone’s knowledge that smoking causes cancer, conveying that even though this information is known by many, only very few people know what it actually does to their cells and how cancers form. Although most people know that general facts are true, they don’t know the reason why they are true. Fernbach’s use of logical reasoning helps put into perspective how people are quick to believe whatever they are told without questioning the source. The use of this reasoning is effective in revealing to the audience their own ignorance.

Another way in which Fernbach persuades his audience is through the use of evidence.

In the seventh and eighth paragraphs, Fernbach describes a scientific experiment that was done to prove that the sense of understanding is contagious. This experiment showed that when someone (such as a scientist) said they understood a concept, the people being told about the concept seemed to understand it, even though they were never described the knowledge needed to come to an understanding. While this evidence helps support the author’s claim that humans are nescient, it also lacks credibility, meaning that the author could have completely made it up in order to prove his

point.
Lastly, Fernbach utilizes a clever metaphor to sympathize with his audience. In the final paragraph, he states, “That individual ignorance is our natural state is a bitter pill to swallow. But if we take this medicine, it can be empowering.” This metaphor shows that he acknowledges that the point he’s trying to make is hard to embrace, but if his audience accepts his idea, they will be empowered. It helps his audience believe that Fernbach wants the best for them, and in order for them to be less oblivious, they should heed his advice. A metaphor is a powerful rhetorical device to use in a persuasive text, and Fernbach certainly made the most of it.
Overall, Fernbach’s use of logical reasoning, scientific evidence, and a cunning metaphor help to make his article much more compelling. I now know that in order to be less ignorant, I need to stop believing obvious untruths and start questioning the sources of my information.