The article discusses how cognitive biases, like confirmation bias and myside bias, hinder our ability to accept factual information that contradicts our beliefs. Elizabeth Kolbert's insights highlight that human reasoning evolved to support personal identity rather than seek truth. The mind functions like a firewall that filters incoming data based on emotional relevance and social safety, particularly in emotionally charged topics. By recognizing these biases, we can better engage with differing perspectives and perhaps reduce the defensiveness that often follows a factual presentation.
Think of your mind like a computer. Facts are like data packets trying to get through your firewall. But unless they meet certain criteria—emotional relevance, social safety, identity compatibility—they're blocked.
Our brains often favor "motivated reasoning"—seeking information that supports our views and discounting evidence that challenges them. This tendency, known as confirmation bias, helps us maintain a coherent sense of self.
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