How to Recognize and Deal with a Philosophical Bigot?
For definition, A bigot is a prejudiced or more aptly a closed-minded person who is convinced of the superiority or correctness of one's own opinions and against those who hold different opinions.
It seems that egotism is directly disadvantageous to philosophical conversation, yet it unconsciously works its way in without most of us being aware of it.
Are there not strategies used by humble people to avoid this kind of thing?
It seems that egotism is directly disadvantageous to philosophical conversation, yet it unconsciously works its way in without most of us being aware of it.
Are there not strategies used by humble people to avoid this kind of thing?
Comments (30)
I don't think your definition is really adequate. Surely it must take account of the fact that the conviction in the superiority of the bigot's views is maintained in the face of considerable evidence to the contrary. In other words there is a degree of irrationality required to being a bigot rather than simply a well-informed individual. If one's views are in fact superior then it is entirely right to be so convinced. It isn't egotistical to be correct. It can't be wrong to be right, only to believe you are when you are not.
Classical logic obeys the principle of the excluded middle, meaning every version of formal philosophy is biased explaining why it historically has been used to promote intolerance and bigotry. Where you decide to draw the lines and call someone a bigot rather than merely intolerant is one of those popular issues they argue over.
Perfect.
It wasn't my definition, it was the dictionaries.
I see what your saying but you are missing something. It is not just simply a well-informed individual as it is a well-informed individual who is SO well-informed that he doesn't care to open his mind up to other possible interpretations (with or without evidence).
So it is not just about the bigot's views being maintained in the face of considerable evidence to the contrary. I agree that that is a considerable part of it but it is also a smugness that he feels when he is right and doesn't even bother to look for alternative viewpoints.
That is why the definition in the OP includes "close-mindedness"
Got anymore oxymoronic statements like that? lol
One strategy would be to not participate in discussion with them in the first place.
Though we have to be careful not to confuse bigotry with exigency.
From what we have already discussed, it seems everyone is a bigot because people don't usually enjoy having their beliefs proved wrong.
So you would in fact be promoting the death of philosophy. Noooo, no, nope, no no no, I am sorry, that simply won't do darthbarracuda... we need something better... YOUR WRONG!
Yes, because of Cognitive Disonance and The Ego.
Have you noticed stuffy people always want to be right? They are usually the most egotistical kind.
I think what might be best is to absolutely agree with them on everything but yet somehow disprove them while still agreeing with them. Sounds paradoxical? Not so, one can agree that he is both right and wrong at the same time.
Then again, perhaps that wouldn't work.
Perhaps we should show aggression and scold them, nay that won't work either.
That definitely solves how to deal with them but how is it performed?
That's the difference between an open-minded and a close-minded person: whether or not they are willing to have their beliefs changed.
However, there are some things that have exigency and thus can't be legitimately postponed forever for the sake of discussion.
That is not the same with a Bigot. The Bigot pretends that he is willing to discuss something because he pretends he's open to be proven wrong but really his motive is to prove him self above others. To inflate his ego with the feeling of being right and another wrong.
That's true I agree. I try my best to do that but it is hard sometimes to know whether it is reason I am listening to or whether it is my own ego I am listening to.
When I try and reform my beliefs from what others have advised it is hard to find the distinction between reason and ego because they are both speaking out of one voice inside your head.
such as?
Sounds like most bloggers.
Quoting intrapersona
Do we have an ethical priority to help those in need?
Quoting intrapersona
If that's what the dictionary says, then the dictionary is an ass.***
***
"If the law supposes that," said Mr. Bumble, squeezing his hat emphatically, "the law is an ass — an idiot.”
? Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist
Cambridge: a person who has strong, unreasonable beliefs and who does not like other people who have different beliefs or a different way of life
Merriam: person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices
Wiki: The English noun bigot is a term of abuse aimed at a prejudiced or closed-minded person
Me: A bigot is a prejudiced or more aptly a closed-minded person who is convinced of the superiority or correctness of one's own opinions and against those who hold different opinions.
Sound pretty similar to me.
Ask Ayn Rand... acording to her, selfishness is a virtue and altruism a vice
Conversational grace, especially over any sort of sustained interaction, is most often directly proportionate to just how similar the other person's views are to one's own.
Philosophy attracts egoists, because the game--well, and especially achieving any notoriety in the game--more or less amounts to telling everyone else that they were missing some important considerations in their thinking about things, if it doesn't amount to telling everyone else that they were basically thinking about things incorrectly.
Less egotistical people attracted to philosophy focus on being a
Utilitarian. Self-interest. Chivalry. Equality. What would you prefer society to model itself under?
Humility is (apart from the humility which is a result of conditioning, mental trauma, or disease) an outlook, approach, technique in self development, or spirituality. A tool which some people may recommend egotists to practice to escape their plight. But which is also utilised in mysticism in exploring, or developing the self.