What If...?

[Paul Farquhar]

Ah, but that process has little to do with what we colloquially consider "intelligence".

It has everything to do with what I consider intelligence. Intelligent people evaluate evidence objectively, and change their views accordingly. It is the opposite of an emotional response, which evaluates evidence based on pre-existing prejudices. The very stubborn and the very stupid have a very strong correlation.

 

[HawaiiSteveO]

 

[Umbran]

Some people originate ideas, some people adopt those ideas, and some people never change their ideas, no matter what.

Sure. And your evidence for that is?

Or is this an idea you've taken on, and will never change, no matter what?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Sure. And your evidence for that is?

Or is this an idea you've taken on, and will never change, no matter what?

I never made any claim to intelligence myself, although there is plenty of evidence on this forum for people who will never change there ideas, no matter what.

 

[Umbran]

It has everything to do with what I consider intelligence. Intelligent people evaluate evidence objectively...

Oh, is this going to be a No True Scotsman? Anyone who seems intelligent by other measures, but who doesn't always evaluate evidence objectively, wasn't actually intelligent at all?

 

[Zaukrie]

sorry! I messed up by adding to this......maybe we can get back to What if?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Oh, is this going to be a No True Scotsman? Anyone who seems intelligent by other measures, but who doesn't always evaluate evidence objectively, wasn't actually intelligent at all?

Indeed. Any idiot can learn calculus or 27 languages, just look at a computer. That is not a sign of intelligence.

 

[Morrus]

I largely agree with Paul here. While some people are willing to change their opinions, many people just dig in when presented with contrary evidence. It’s the few that do who slowly drive change, shifting cultural values generation by generation.

 

[Umbran]

I largely agree with Paul here. While some people are willing to change their opinions, many people just dig in when presented with contrary evidence.

So, with respect, Morrus, I already noted that this is largely an emotional issue. Of course, just presenting someone with evidence does nothing to overcome emotional resistance. "The nail didn't move when I used a screwdriver on it," does not mean the nail cannot be moved.

And, "they don't change their mind when presented with contrary evidence" is not the same as, "cannot or will not ever change their mind".

Is it really hard to change some people's minds? Yes. But accepting it as impossible is self-fulfilling prophecy.

 

[Morrus]

So, with respect, Morrus, I already noted that this is largely an emotional issue. Of course, just presenting someone with evidence does nothing to overcome emotional resistance. "The nail didn't move when I used a screwdriver on it," does not mean the nail cannot be moved.

And, "they don't change their mind when presented with contrary evidence" is not the same as, "cannot or will not ever change their mind".

Is it really hard to change some people's minds? Yes. But accepting it as impossible is self-fulfilling prophecy.

I think that’s what I said.