Why Intelligent People Can Be Just As Dogmatic As The Rest

Introduction

The belief that one's faith or personal beliefs trumps the facts is something that many people hold. Even among those who are considered intelligent, this tendency to defend their beliefs with vigor can sometimes make them just as dogmatic as those with less formal education. This could be particularly true when it comes to matters of religion or politics, where beliefs are often held with a firm conviction that is not easily swayed by evidence or reason.

The Dichotomy of Belief vs. Facts

One might argue that there is a clear distinction between belief and facts. In the case of religious and spiritual beliefs, such as those in the Bible, for example, a belief can often be seen as a fact because it is based on faith in a divine source. Similarly, if one believes in the existence of God and that God has communicated a specific truth, then that truth is considered a fact because it is believed to be infallible.

However, when it comes to politics and other intellectual topics, the situation is more nuanced. Even when dealing with facts that can be verified through data and evidence, such as batting averages in baseball or the likely winner of a game, people often exhibit the same level of defensive attachment to their beliefs. This is particularly true for matters like personal biases, where the truth is often subjective and can be manipulated by emotions and personal narratives.

Why Even Intelligent People Can Be Immune to Fact

Multidisciplinary studies suggest that the tendency to be dogmatic is not exclusive to less intelligent individuals. In fact, sometimes the more intelligent a person is, the more likely they are to defend their beliefs, often with an attitude that reflects a lack of preparedness to engage with contradictory evidence. The reason for this paradoxical behavior lies, in part, in the human condition of fear, ego, and a strong desire for certainty in an uncertain world.

Intelligence often does not fully inoculate a person against cognitive biases. While intelligent individuals can sometimes be more adept at recognizing and refuting poorly constructed arguments, they can also be more likely to become entrenched in their beliefs when the stakes are high. This is often seen in scientific debates or discussions of theory versus fact, where the terms themselves are often highly contentious and open to interpretation. For instance, a belief in systemic racism is not always a clear-cut factual statement but can instead be a complex social construct that is subject to debate and counter-argument.

The Role of Emotion in Dogmatism

Emotions play a significant role in our perceptions and judgments. Even intelligent individuals can be moved by emotional arguments, leading them to defend beliefs with enthusiasm and determination. This phenomenon is not limited to religion or politics. Consider the claim "wet birds fly at night," which, upon first hearing, can be met with skepticism. However, the enthusiasm and emotion behind this statement can cloud judgment and lead to a lack of critical thought or evidence-based analysis.

Intelligent people often fall prey to this emotional reasoning, even when dealing with more tangible and provable matters. The inclination to rely on emotional appeals over logical reasoning can undermine the objective assessment of data and evidence. This tendency is not a failure of intelligence but rather a reflection of the complex interplay between emotion, rationality, and belief.

Addressing the Dogmatic Mindset

To address this issue, it is essential to promote a culture of open-mindedness and critical thinking. Encouraging individuals to question their own beliefs, seek out alternative perspectives, and engage in constructive dialogue can help mitigate the influence of emotional appeals. Intelligence and reason can indeed be powerful tools for dispelling dogma, but they require a willingness to be both self-reflective and open to new information.

Education and critical thinking training can help individuals become more adept at identifying and addressing their own biases. By fostering a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas, we can create an environment where dogmatism is replaced by a culture of inquiry and open-mindedness. This is particularly important in the digital age, where the spread of misinformation and the echo chamber effect of social media can exacerbate existing beliefs without providing room for counter-narratives.

In conclusion, while intelligent people can be just as dogmatic as others, the pursuit of truth requires a concerted effort to balance emotion with reason. By cultivating a culture of critical thinking and open-mindedness, we can empower individuals to navigate the complex landscape of beliefs and facts more effectively. Ultimately, the challenge lies in recognizing when our beliefs may be more grounded in emotion than in facts and being willing to question and adapt our views accordingly.

Key Takeaways:

Belief vs. Facts: Beliefs can often be treated as facts if they are based on faith or personal conviction. Emotional Influence: Emotions play a significant role in shaping our beliefs, even among intelligent individuals. Open-Mindedness: Promoting a culture of open-mindedness can help mitigate emotional reasoning and dogmatism.