It has been assumed (very reasonably) for many years that enlightened self-government demands a science-literate citizenry. Perversely, however, recent research has shown that all manner of reasoning proficiency – from cognitive reflection to numeracy, from actively open-minded thinking to science literacy – magnifies political polarization on … | Dan Kahan Continue reading Science Literacy Magnifies Political Polarization on Policy-relevant Science Dan Kahan
Abstract Why does public conflict over societal risks persist in the face of compelling and widely accessible scientific evidence? We conducted an experiment to probe two alternative answers: the ‘science comprehension thesis’ (SCT), which identifies defects in the public’s knowledge and reasoning capacities as the source of such controversies; and the ‘identity-protective cognition thesis’ (ICT), Continue reading Motivated Numeracy and Enlightened Self-government Dan Kahan (2017)
Abstract This article describes evidence suggesting that science curiosity counteracts politically biased information processing. This finding is in tension with two bodies of research. The first casts doubt on the existence of “curiosity” as a measurable disposition. The other suggests that individual differences in cognition related to science comprehension — of which science curiosity, if Continue reading Science Curiosity and Political Information Processing Dan M. Kahan, Asheley Landrum, Katie Carpenter, Laura Helft and Kathleen Hall Jamieson (January 2017)
So convenient a thing to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for every thing one has a mind to do. | Benjamin Franklin Continue reading So Convenient a Thing to Be a Reasonable Creature Benjamin Franklin
Why you think you’re right – even if you’re wrong | Julia Galef Perspective is everything, especially when it comes to examining your beliefs. Are you a soldier, prone to defending your viewpoint at all costs — or a scout, spurred by curiosity? Julia Galef examines the motivations behind these two mindsets and how they Continue reading Why You Think You’re Right – Even If You’re Wrong Julia Galef (2016)
Julia Galef is co-founder of the Center for Applied Rationality. She is a writer and public speaker on the topics of rationality, science, technology, and design. WebsiteJulia GalefWikipediaJulia GalefRSS FeedJulia GalefX (Twitter)juliagalefYouTubeJulia GalefGoogleJulia GalefPosts: Julia Galef (2)Converse in Good Faith Be sincere, fair, open, and honest, regardless of the outcomeScience Curiosity A desire to seek Continue reading Julia Galef Writer and public speaker
In this book, The Scout Mindset, Julia Galef explains that we see what we want to see when it comes to what we believe. In other words, we have what Julia Galef calls a “soldier” mindset. From tribalism and wishful thinking to rationalizing in our personal lives and everything in between, we are driven to Continue reading Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t by Julia Galef (2021)
Reasoning is often viewed as a tool for improving knowledge and making sound decisions. Yet research shows it frequently reinforces bias and distorts judgement. The argumentative theory reframes reasoning as a social tool for persuasion and evaluation, explaining both our failures alone and our strengths in dialogue. Abstract Reasoning is generally seen as a means Continue reading Why Do Humans Reason? Arguments for an Argumentative Theory Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber (2010)
My research examines the intuitive foundations of morality. I have found that moral reasoning is generally done post-hoc, to search for confirmation of our fast, automatic intuitive responses. I am therefore skeptical of the power of reasoning to bring us to the right conclusions, particularly when self-interest or reputational concerns are in … | Jonathan Haidt Continue reading Moral Reasoning Is Generally Done Post-hoc Jonathan Haidt
Political beliefs shape more than opinions—they can distort how we interpret facts. Research shows that even those skilled in numerical reasoning are not immune to this bias. Recognizing how ideology influences thinking is the first step toward making more objective, evidence-based decisions. Continue reading How Beliefs Shape Reasoning How political views influence the way we interpret data
Motivated reasoning is where we look for arguments in favor of conclusions we want to believe, regardless of the evidence. This is a primary stumbling block in forming sound beliefs and making good decisions. However, if we are science-curious, we are more likely to explore data contradicting our worldview and are less prone to this bias. Continue reading Science Curiosity A desire to seek out and consume scientific information for pleasure
Motivated reasoning is a cognitive bias in which an individual’s desire to believe or not believe in something influences their interpretation of new evidence. It refers to the tendency for people to selectively search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or denies their preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while giving less consideration to alternative perspectives. … Continue reading Motivated Reasoning ** Leads people to confirm what they already believe, while ignoring contrary data
