Conservative Treatment of Evidence

Abstract This paper discusses two conservative ways of treating evidence. (I) Closing inquiry involves discounting evidence bearing on one's belief unless it is particularly strong evidence; (II) biased assimilation dedicating more investigative resources to scrutinizing disconfirming (than confirming evidence), thereby increasing the chances finding reasons dismiss it. It natural worry that these practices lead irrational biases in favor existing beliefs, and they make epistemic condition significantly path-sensitive by giving a bigger role batches obtained earlier course compared with those subsequently acquired. However, I argue both are demanded considerations practical rationality. also that, contrary initial appearances, there little reason about effects dynamics beliefs.