Cognitive Bias

A cognitive bias is a systematic error in how our thinking patterns affect what we understand and process.

Logical Fallacy vs. Cognitive Bias?

Cognitive biases are systematic errors in a person’s subjective way of thinking, while logical fallacies are errors in a logical argument.

Should we eliminate biases?

Sexism, ageism, lookism all stem from biases, and laws exist to curb them. We eliminate biases to create a fairer world, but where is too far? Conservatives often operate from the view that the world is intrinsically unfair.

Is having an opinion the same as being biased?

If yes, striving for an unbiased world is striving for one where nobody has opinions. Even believing all humans should be equal is a bias.

Cognitive Biases

list from #cognitivebias 
sort title

Reducing Cognitive Bias

“How do you know you’re wrong?” See also Destiny.

  • Be aware: critical thinking is the enemy of bias; knowing biases exist forces extra steps before judgment
  • Challenge your beliefs: actively probe new information against what you already hold
  • Try a blind approach: blind studies limit influential cues, the same logic applies personally