Science Literacy Magnifies Political Polarization on Policy-relevant Science Dan Kahan

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

Science Curiosity and Political Information Processing Dan M. Kahan, Asheley Landrum, Katie Carpenter, Laura Helft and Kathleen Hall Jamieson (January 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)

Measuring Epistemic Deliberation on Polarized Issues: the Case of Abortion Provision in Ireland Jane Suiter, David M Farrell , Clodagh Harris and Philip Murphy

Abstract This paper compares the debate quality in the plenary sessions of an Irish Citizens’ Assembly and an Irish parliamentary committee to assess the epistemic effects of public deliberation on a contentious subject: abortion. The unusual occurrence of a similar process of detailed discussion on the same topic in different institutions at around the same … Continue reading Measuring Epistemic Deliberation on Polarized Issues: the Case of Abortion Provision in Ireland Jane Suiter, David M Farrell , Clodagh Harris and Philip Murphy

Why We Hate Our Political Enemies — and How to Stop Arthur Brooks

Why we hate our political enemies — and how to stop | Arthur Brooks People: Arthur BrooksArthur C. Brooks American social scientistBooks: Arthur BrooksArthur C. Brooks American social scientistLove Your Enemies — Disagree Better, Not Less Arthur BrooksLove Your Enemies — Say No to Contempt Arthur BrooksLove Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America … Continue reading Why We Hate Our Political Enemies — and How to Stop Arthur Brooks

The Perils of Binary Bias ** Simplifying complex issues into two extreme and opposing categories

The Impact of Cognitive Biases in Conversation We Are Not Enemies but Friends—mostly Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Introduction In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the concept of binary bias, also known as binary thinking … Continue reading The Perils of Binary Bias ** Simplifying complex issues into two extreme and opposing categories