If an individual is skeptical, then the individual’s mind is open. About some ideas, the individual will be more skeptical. About other ideas, the individual will be more openminded. “An open mind” and “skeptical” are different phrases expressing the same meaning.
If an individual is cynical, then the individual’s mind is closed. When the individual is cynical about one idea, then the individual is inescapably naïve about another idea. “A closed mind” and “not skeptical” are different phrases expressing the same meaning.
This is good, but obviously, it takes a lot of time to sort things out. Most people don't have the time and the patience, even if they are naturally skeptical. Plus, we all have to fight that cognitive dissonance... which keeps us even less interested in combating our misinformed opinions.
Sadly, the average person in America lives in a comfortable bubble and won't take the time or energy to do the research necessary to understand almost any issue, most of which are now too complex for casual reading.
Take an issue that we are presently neutral about. We are more likely to believe bad news on this topic than good news, and allow this to change our belief systems.
In "Straight and Crooked Thinking," use of emotionally toned words is listed as the first fallacy by author Robert Thouless. As the word "misinformation" has become politically charged, it can cause us to question Alex Edmans' objectivity.
According to the determinists, humans are automata and free will is a fiction. That we can use reason to overcome earlier gullibility appears to contradict this.
Problem is, most people want confirmation. They avoid disconformation at all costs.
Define "skeptical." Never mind. Allow me.
If an individual is skeptical, then the individual’s mind is open. About some ideas, the individual will be more skeptical. About other ideas, the individual will be more openminded. “An open mind” and “skeptical” are different phrases expressing the same meaning.
If an individual is cynical, then the individual’s mind is closed. When the individual is cynical about one idea, then the individual is inescapably naïve about another idea. “A closed mind” and “not skeptical” are different phrases expressing the same meaning.
This is good, but obviously, it takes a lot of time to sort things out. Most people don't have the time and the patience, even if they are naturally skeptical. Plus, we all have to fight that cognitive dissonance... which keeps us even less interested in combating our misinformed opinions.
"If an individual is skeptical, his/hers mind is open". That ain't necessarily so....
Sadly, the average person in America lives in a comfortable bubble and won't take the time or energy to do the research necessary to understand almost any issue, most of which are now too complex for casual reading.
Take an issue that we are presently neutral about. We are more likely to believe bad news on this topic than good news, and allow this to change our belief systems.
In "Straight and Crooked Thinking," use of emotionally toned words is listed as the first fallacy by author Robert Thouless. As the word "misinformation" has become politically charged, it can cause us to question Alex Edmans' objectivity.
According to the determinists, humans are automata and free will is a fiction. That we can use reason to overcome earlier gullibility appears to contradict this.
StormSide says skepticism is the lightning rod of the mind it doesn’t stop the storm, but it keeps the strike from burning you down.
Skepticism, absent knowledge, creates conspiracies. Facts are the bedroom of critical thought.