Overcoming Bias

The Problem
Needless to say, I think we have a tendency as people to focus only on the good parts of ideas and beliefs we've made our own. It's not that we deliberately ignore important details, per se, but rather those details are overshadowed by the apparent awesomeness of our object of faith. We can't see the relevance of those details in the light of its brilliance.

I think this tendency to downplay or ignore potentially problematic issues is true for any ideology, people group, or individual we admire. Perhaps you know certain "liberal types" who can't seem to recognize or acknowledge any fault in their advocates, whereas, these are the only things you can see in them! As expected, many liberals feel the same way about how conservatives view their own.

But, we all know about this problem in principle. We are biased, whether we like it or not. The only thing we can do is try to be as objective and earnest as we can, trusting that our sense of reason has pointed us generally in the right direction.


Down the Rabbit Hole
However, I can't entirely agree with this fatalistic conclusion we hold of ourselves. While it's true we can't be perfectly objective on demand, there are some things we can do to greatly improve our objectivity. Incidentally, these are also great ways to learn about controversial subjects in general.

1. Deliberately Look for Problems
Instead of fixing our gaze on the things we love and admire so much about our object of faith, explore alternatives and criticisms. Deliberately try to prove your position wrong. Regardless of the outcome, you will probably learn some incredibly valuable things along the way. You might even come to understand and appreciate your position more.

2. Deliberately Look for Solutions
Conversely, look for reasons why your opponents are right. We spend so much time believing we know better and attempting to demonstrate this to other people that we never get around to trying on our opponent's glasses. We focus on why they are wrong. We focus on why they are uninformed, irrational, or why they appear disingenuous. Counter this tendency by exploring how they might have something valuable to offer. You just might find a grain of truth somewhere in that seemingly heaping pile of trash.


The Hurdle
This entire process may be very uncomfortable at first and it may even feel wrong. But that's exactly when you know you're doing it right. Your values have burrowed themselves deep within your heart and disturbing them should feel very unpleasant.

These values help define us. Sometimes they give us a feeling of purposes. But sometimes these values can stagnate us.

The world is a complex and dynamic place. If we stake out immutable positions for ourselves, sometimes we will miss the boat. Perhaps it's better to value being dynamic and adaptable, rather than value holding any particular label.


Lather, Rinse, Repeat
I don't think this process should ever be a one time event. You don't automatically become objective and fully informed by reviewing some of your opponent's arguments (there's a million more anyway). You took one brave step forward, but believing you've arrived at your final destination places you right back at the start of this process.

That's the point. The process of learning and adapting is never over. It's never over because we'll never know everything and we'll never be perfectly rational all the time. Life is one giant learning curve. Try to enjoy the journey!