DivanI sometimes change my opinions. That is because I have come across new information. Some people find this confusing, and I find that disturbing.
Frankie Saxx@Divan Not only do I change opinions on the basis of new or improved information, sometimes I recognize the validity of opinions which are not identical with my own, and am still able to feel comfortable holding my own opinion and also not require others change their opinions to conform to my own. Which baffles the hell out of some people.
The Mysterious Em@Divan The final speaker in our March for Science yesterday tasked us with, next time we are disagreeing with someone: think about what data would be sufficient for you to change your mind. Maybe even talk about that What data would change their mind. Far more interesting than "no ur wrong!!".
@TheMysteriousEm @Divan You have different levels of 'change their mind' though, depending on how emotionally invested someone is in an opinion. Which is why you get the backfire effect, and a hostile response to attempts to negotiate on sacred ideals.
You can show somebody a better way to tie their shoes and that's fine because there's no emotional resistance, but showing an American conservative the effects of climate change will just make them double down.
@Divan @frankiesaxx Yes, but stating it as an open question rather than piling on the data is a good strategy for getting someone thinking about it.
The goal of the exercise is not to present evidence to change someone's mind, but to start the process of them thinking about why they have this opinion.
It might or might not work, but it is a step up from just presenting evidence.
@TheMysteriousEm @Divan Yeah. That's totally reasonable. It's just important to remember that sometimes opinions aren't actually founded on lack of data, or even not understanding data, but held as a form of social identity and group membership.
Thinking of that Megan Phelps video making the rounds, I would guess that's why the people who successfully change their minds most often do so after establishing relationships with other social groups.
@frankiesaxx @Divan And it is a very good prompt for me to re-examine my beliefs. What data would change *my* mind? There are plenty of things I "know" that is not based on solid research. And recognizing these in me is much harder than recognizing them in others.