The Psychology of Dogmatism

Dogmatism is the attitude of holding one's beliefs as true regardless of any evidence to the contrary. Dogmatic people are often unwilling to consider other viewpoints or to change their minds in light of new information. They may be intolerant of opposing views and may try to force their beliefs on others.

Dogmatism is a complex phenomenon with a number of psychological underpinnings. Some of the key factors that contribute to dogmatism include:

• Need for certainty: Dogmatic people often have a strong need for certainty and predictability. They may be uncomfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and they may be drawn to beliefs that offer a sense of order and control.
• Fear of change: Dogmatic people may fear change and uncertainty. They may believe that their beliefs are the only way to live a good life, and they may be reluctant to consider alternatives.
• Low self-esteem: Dogmatic people may have low self-esteem. They may believe that they are not smart or capable enough to think for themselves, and they may rely on external sources of authority to tell them what to believe.
• Need for social approval: Dogmatic people may have a strong need for social approval. They may be afraid of being rejected or ostracized, and they may conform to the beliefs of their in-group in order to gain acceptance.

Dogmatism can have a number of negative consequences. It can lead to conflict, intolerance, and stagnation. It can also prevent people from learning and growing.

There are a number of things that can be done to combat dogmatism. One is to encourage people to be open-minded and to consider other viewpoints. Another is to teach people how to think critically and to evaluate evidence. Finally, it is important to create an environment where people feel safe to express their own beliefs, even if they are different from the majority.

Here are some tips for reducing dogmatism in yourself and others:

• Be open to other viewpoints: Be willing to listen to and consider other people's beliefs, even if they are different from your own.
• Evaluate evidence: Learn how to think critically and to evaluate evidence. Don't just accept things at face value.
• Be respectful of others: Even if you disagree with someone, it is important to be respectful of their right to their own beliefs.
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  Create a safe space: Encourage people to express their own beliefs, even if they are different from the majority.

Dogmatism is a complex phenomenon, but it is one that can be overcome. By understanding the psychology of dogmatism and by taking steps to combat it, we can create a more open-minded and tolerant world.

 

Nietzsche on Knowledge and Ignorance

Nietzsche (1886) writes that we humans live in a simplified and falsified world and that we make everything around us seem clear, easy, and simple. To enjoy life we indulge in superficiality and our thoughts play wanton pranks.

From this passage, Nietzsche (1886) believed that knowledge is built on the foundation of ignorance. We want to know things, but we also want to stay ignorant. We want to be free, thoughtless, and happy.

Nietzsche argues that we need both knowledge and ignorance to live a full life. Language should not limit our thinking. Language often forces us to think in terms of opposites,when there are many gradations between them (Nietzsche 1886).

Again, Nietzsche argues that morality can limit our thinking by telling us that we should be truthful and avoid making mistakes, but sometimes mistakes are necessary for us to enjoy life.

Nietzsche's theories on knowledge and ignorance are very thought-provoking:

• His views force us to juxtapose truths and things that are not true.
• His views also challenge us to embrace the complexity of life and to understand that knowledge and ignorance are both necessary to fully enjoy life and get the most out of it.

Here are some additional thoughts on Nietzsche's views on knowledge and ignorance:

• Our thoughts and language create our own reality and they also can limit it.
• We simplify and falsify the world to make it comfortable and manageable
• Knowledge can sometimes be dangerous leading to rigidity and rendering some people to believe that their truths are always truths regardless of the evidence. This can lead to suppression of creativity and spontaneity.

Should we be wary of people who claim to know everything? Are such people only motivated by power and control?

Do uncertainty and ambiguity fuel our creativity and growth?

When we answer these questions honestly and weigh the evidence they open us up to a unique perspective on the relationship between reality's nature and the role that knowledge plays in our lives.

Nietzsche's views on knowledge and ignorance are very complex, and this blog post is a good start for anyone interested in learning about Nietzche.

References

Nietzsche, F. W. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil. Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-71494

Virtues

 Our Virtues

Nietzsche argues that we, the Europeans of the day after tomorrow, have our own virtues. These virtues are not the same as those of our grandfathers, who were more sincere and massive in their moral character. Our virtues are more complex and nuanced, reflecting our own unique values and experiences.

Nietzsche believes that we should search for our own virtues in our own labyrinths. This means that we should not blindly follow the moral codes of our ancestors, but should instead create our own moral code based on our own needs and desires.

Nietzsche also argues that we should believe in our own virtues. This means that we should be confident in our own moral compass, even if it differs from the moral compass of others.

Nietzsche's views on virtue are controversial. Some people believe that he is advocating for a kind of moral relativism, where anything goes. Others believe that he is simply pointing out that there is no one right way to be moral, and that we should all create our own moral code based on our own values.

Regardless of one's interpretation of Nietzsche's views on virtue, there is no doubt that he was a profound thinker who challenged us to think critically about our own moral beliefs.

Take some time and self-reflect:

1. What are your own virtues?
2. Are they different from your parents or even your grandparents?
3. Do you believe in your own virtues or are you just going through the motions?

References

Nietzsche, F. W. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil. Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-71494