DM 14 -- "Actively Open-Minded Thinking" pp 76-70

"Actively Open-Minded Thinking", DM ch 14
by Jonathan Baron
"Myside bias" is rejecting facts and ideas that are counter to your own understanding. Leads to negative outcomes in public and foreign policy. Leads from and stems from overconfidence. Confidence in the future lets you take risks and generally achieve more. But confidence in the past can discourage risks and prevent people from questioning their understanding.

Asking people to think about why they might be wrong reduces bias due to overconfidence. Thinking through the rules that govern your behavior -- to see if you are following the rules instead of seeking the objective behind those rules -- can lead to greater happiness and satisfaction.

Actively Open-Minded Thinking is bending over backward the other way, to make sure we understand the other side. Seek out counterarguments, listen to disagreements (be "active" in this).

Role of Educator in Actively Open Minded Thinking Teachers can encourage thinking skills by addressing illogical or lopsided arguments through grading and feedback.
Insist on:

• thorough and fair search
• fair inference
• appropriate confidence

Foster competition among possibilities, evidence, and values.

Reflective Essay Outline

• Explain your question and why it is important
• Present the most obvious answer or answers
• Consider less obvious alternatives, or objections to the obvious answers
• Rebut the criticisms, or explain how the original answers can be modified to deal with them

Instead of only teaching facts, teach history of thinking that led to that understanding.
Request alternative points of view
Give credit for bringing up alternatives or criticisms