Kathryn:

With no reference to Wesley’s column, I would urge you, and him, and everyone else, to not be quite so free with the phrase “open minded.” It’s one of those expressions that need to be handled with some care.

Consider the following two theories about why my computer works:

Theory A: Tiny electric currents run at terrific speeds around the circuit boards.

Theory B: A witch put a spell on it, and is controlling the whole apparatus with her mind from a distance.

If I failed to give equal weight to both theories, would that be a failure of “open mindedness” on my part? Note that if my computer could have been shown to any human being prior to about 1900, Theory B would have been vastly preferred as an explanation. (In parts of the world, it still

would.)

When scientists refuse to allow papers about alien abductions, or homeopathic healing, or… other notions into their professional journals, they are not necessarily failing at open-mindedness. They may just be protecting professional standards, a thing that professionals should do.