Reasoning With Yourself!
Have you ever become aware of reasoning with yourself? And have you noticed that the reasoning mainly consists of finding arguments to confirm what you already believe? This is called confirmation bias.
This cognitive bias is pretty tricky. It uses your subconscious mind to deliberately seek and interpret information favoring your beliefs and opinions, while at the same time, ignoring and discrediting contradictory evidence. That's why it's so difficult to reason with anyone dead set on defending their beliefs.
Cognitive bias can be particular lethal with issues that are emotionally charged and deeply entrenched within the psyche, such as politics and religion, for example.
Once the person's beliefs are set, it can result in feeling overly confident in their convictions, often leading to poor decision making, and irreparable family feuds, with each side unwilling to budge.
What can be done to change this? For one, critical thinking, which seems to be used less and less every day. Many people just follow, without question, like sheep. Not one brain cell asking, "Wait a minute, is this right?"
What is critical thinking? In one word: questioning. To really get out of the cognitive bias trap, it's important to question and assess information from numerous perspectives. If you really want to make informed decisions, and not rely solely on your firmly-held beliefs, then it's crucial to use critical thinking to avoid misinformation, both personally and professionally.
Next time you're challenged, don't immediately reject the information. Consider the possibility that there's another perspective; that maybe you've been wrong.
Be open to growth, to evolving. Amazing things await you!
Evangel
There was a time when people loved to question, debate, and theorize—like in the movie "The Most Reluctant Convert" which is about the life of C.S. Lewis. There was joy in searching and questioning for the deeper truth. But social media has dumbed societies way down to the point of nursing human comforts and turning adult populations into spoiled toddlers who don't want to hear "no, that's not right." With few exceptions, people seem to be tired, stressed, and only want to feel comforted through agreement. Maybe that's why the subconscious mind does what it does.
This article provides good information for all those who want something more genuine, thoughtful, and helpful. If people had any concern they were being swindled by those they fervently believe in, they would probably welcome this kind of information and put it to the test. Thanks for posting this!
Sanatana
You're very welcome. I feel as though it's a good reminder for us all.
Sanatana
Thank you! You've made some terrific points. And yes, it feels as though we're being dumbed down. Or maybe we're doing it to ourselves because life has become exceedingly stressful. I'm not sure. But I do know that using critical thinking is a step in the right direction.
Wilsons Grave
Thanks for posting this. It irks me that folks have lost touch with their own reality. Case in point: the president can't walk straight no more, as if he can't figure out where to put his feet. There's so much footage of this, but people are choosing to NOT see it as strange and concerning. If their husband were walking that way, they'd send them in for an MRI, but not Trump since he's flawless. But Trump did have an MRI last week, and you don't get to have one unless there are real concerns about something wonky going on. But they're not telling, though a physiotherapist said it was a clear sign of having suffered a stroke. If it were Joe Biden walking that way, Fox News would be all over it, putting him in his grave by sundown. But Trump is not only above the law, he's above the laws of nature, too, because he's the "second coming" in their befuddled eyes. As I see it, that's confirmation bias on steroids!
Wonderland
I enjoyed this article, but then again, I’ve also always enjoyed a good debate. I am happy I married my husband many years ago, because although I love him deeply, our relationship has always been a bit spicy becauser we disagree quite often. I feel like growth only comes from entertaining a different viewpoint now and then. That is the main reason cancel culture bothers me. Rather than discussing opposing viewpoints with respect, many people choose to discard a relationship, rather than work on it. There have been people I truly love, who prefer to walk away because we have ideological differences.
By the way, Wilson’s Grave gave their opinion on this post. I agree wholeheartedly that Fox News would not delve into the possible health issues Trump may be having. But, MSNBC and CNN also did not report on Biden’s obvious issues when he was President. It just shows how deiliberate the news media is on trying to sway and divide us.
It’s unfortunate and why it is important to research and think for ourselves.
Sanatana
Thank you for your great message. I agree with. Healthy debates are good and can even be fun. God knows my husband and I have those from time to time.
The cancel culture is terrible. It seems that a lot of us are being muzzled. If we don't agree and speak out, why that's the end for that person. People should be able to respectfully give their opinions without being taken down and destroyed, censored.
With regards to the news station, right again. I can't even call it the news!
Slipstream
Thank you for taking a subject that has divided many families and friends and turning it into a challenge to be open, to listen, and maybe to learn. There's a difference between dialog and diatribe, and I believe practicing the former will bring us more positive results in both the short and long term.
Sanatana
I concur. When dialoguing with people, both sides have to be open. Trying to reason with an unreasonable person will not work, no matter what.