Mr Shermer is interested in how such beliefs come to be held, and why they can persist even in the face of what, to others, can seem to be the overwhelming evidence that contradicts them.

而且薛默先生（Mr Shermer）还展示了他的深入研究：人们是怎么怀有这样的信念和为什么他们在面对似乎有压倒性证据去反驳他们时还固执己见。

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Surprised when the interior of the mothership turns out to closely resemble a General Motors motorhome, Mr Shermer consents to lying down.

ECONOMIST: A medley of aliens and conspiracy theories

Mr Shermer is aware of this risk, and is at pains to reassure readers that his conclusions apply to everyone, even himself.

ECONOMIST: A medley of aliens and conspiracy theories

That experience gives one useful definition of a sceptic, as Mr Shermer understands the term: one who is aware of the fallibility of intuitions, and willing to take steps to minimise them.

ECONOMIST: A medley of aliens and conspiracy theories