tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post7131546422691587335..comments2024-03-28T10:49:14.510-05:00Comments on Horizons: The "you're one of them" argumentNancy LeTourneauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614317154146836694noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-22926043245877132592013-02-03T15:27:22.098-06:002013-02-03T15:27:22.098-06:00Thanks Joe.
This is one of those things that can ...Thanks Joe.<br /><br />This is one of those things that can be hard to see in yourself. Nancy LeTourneauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12614317154146836694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-52556232731209842642013-02-03T15:25:44.867-06:002013-02-03T15:25:44.867-06:00One of the ways I deal with the closure trap is by...One of the ways I deal with the closure trap is by assuming I do it. I'm actually a bit obsessive about examining how. I'm not bragging about that. Its a weight I think I carry due to the fact that I had to process my way out from under all that right wing christian fundamentalism. Questioning myself sort of became a habit. Nancy LeTourneauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12614317154146836694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-26970614064490839862013-02-03T15:15:11.377-06:002013-02-03T15:15:11.377-06:00I think one of the primary differences between the...I think one of the primary differences between the liberal mindset and the conservative is that we are far more aware of what the conservatives are saying and thinking. We're bombarded with it every day. The conservatives on the other hand only have the stereotypes and myths about what they think we believe. They don't listen at all. <br /><br />I guard against epistemic closure all the time. Yes, I'm particular about whose words I chose to digest because I prefer thoughtful and intelligent and informed. Even still I experience shifting beliefs on an almost daily basis. I'm perfectly happy to start out the day believing one thing about an event and ending the day believing something different. It's a challenge, but I'm okay with that. The people who are happier falling in line can't tolerate that challenge. They need things cut and dried and easy to repeat. <br /><br />One exercise that keeps me open to new information on a regular basis is genealogy. I'm constantly discovering new data that forces me to revise my opinion about family facts and data. The key to success in that hobby is the willingness to admit I got something wrong and be willing to correct it. People who thrive in epistemic closure cannot, by their very nature, admit they are ever wrong.<br /><br />A flexible mind and the ability to accept we are wrong are critical to avoiding the closure trap. I don't think you're in any danger of falling prey to that trap, Smartypants.Tien Lenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-5072748258608039812013-02-03T15:12:44.501-06:002013-02-03T15:12:44.501-06:00What you are talking about is important. Anyone wh...What you are talking about is important. Anyone who doubts this should read your post again, and try to put aside the cognitive dissonance that is occurring by virtue of being a member of one faction or another, and generally unwilling to really listen to or understand the point of view of those who hold different views.<br /><br />The cognitive dissonance I am talking about comes when someone reads a criticism, say of Glenn Greenwald, and responds negatively to that criticism because they usually agree with Glenn Greenwald. Therefore they are likely to write off the person criticizing Glenn Greenwald as an enemy, instead of coming to terms with their argument. <br /><br />Another kind of cognitive dissonance occurs when you equate Glenn Greenwald fans with fans of Fox News. The Glenn Greenwald fan is going to think, hey, I don't agree with Fox News at all. Therefore I can't possibly be anything like the people who watch Fox News. Oh, but you can. <br /><br />Are the people who watch Rachel Maddow more open-minded and tolerant than the people who watch Sean Hannity? Only if they stop calling the people who watch Sean Hannity names.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12552117060181130126noreply@blogger.com