Motivated skepticism

Biological Parallel

Territorial animals are skeptical of intruder retreat signals—scrutinizing every cue for deception when the intruder claims submission. But they uncritically accept their own dominance displays as effective. Motivated skepticism: apply rigorous standards to unwelcome evidence, lenient standards to preferred conclusions. The asymmetry serves fitness: false acceptance of retreat (letting a rival stay) costs more than false rejection (extra fighting). Evolution favored skepticism that's strategically asymmetric, not intellectually consistent.