Since most people are irrational most of the time, and even the more rational are irrational quite often, it’s easy to see why when given the choice between rethinking our cherished positions and lowering our opinions of those who disagree with us, we choose to lower our opinions. It’s not only ego-sparing, it’s quite probable as well.
Fortunately, those wishing to overcome their own biases are well aware of these tendencies within themselves, and can distinguish between justified belief, contingency planning, wishful thought, and genuinely strong arguments.
Since most people are irrational most of the time, and even the more rational are irrational quite often, it’s easy to see why when given the choice between rethinking our cherished positions and lowering our opinions of those who disagree with us, we choose to lower our opinions. It’s not only ego-sparing, it’s quite probable as well.
Fortunately, those wishing to overcome their own biases are well aware of these tendencies within themselves, and can distinguish between justified belief, contingency planning, wishful thought, and genuinely strong arguments.