Final answer:
Danforth is skeptical because acknowledging the evidence would compromise the court's authority, integrity, and the legitimacy of previous convictions. He also aims to preserve his reputation and prevent potential societal chaos.
Step-by-step explanation:
Danforth is skeptical of the evidence presented by Proctor and the others in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" due to a number of reasons. Primarily, he is vested in the authority and integrity of the court; admitting to any fallibility could undermine the legitimacy of the previous convictions and the hysteria surrounding the witch trials.
Secondly, he displays an inherent bias towards maintaining the status quo and distrust towards the accused and their advocates, as he is concerned with the potential chaos that could ensue if the established narrative is disrupted. Moreover, there is an element of self-preservation involved; acknowledging error would cast doubt on his judgment and potentially tarnish his reputation.