Intellectual Traits
You embody this trait when you regularly use intellectual standards.
What is confidence in reason?
This lays out the problem and help us understand what we need to do to solve it.
What is question?
The natural tendency to think in an absolute way, limiting one's perspective to a very narrow point of view.
What is egocentric myopia?
The process of lumping people together based on a common characteristic and forming rigid, biased perceptions of the group and the individuals within it.
What is stereotyping?
This fallacy says something must be true or good because many people believe or do it.
What is bandwagon or appeal to popular passions?
You demonstrate this intellectual trait when you continue to researching a complex topic, even after hitting multiple dead ends.
What is intellectual perseverance?
A student is considering whether it is “worth” studying for the exam. This scenario demonstrates this part of thinking.
What are implications or consequences?
The tendency of groups to believe their way is right and that their views are correct, often reinforcing those believes, regardless of how dysfunctional or illogical they may be.
What is group validation?
A person who feels insecure about their abilities accuses others of being incompetent, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They are demonstrating this defense mechanism.
What is projection?
You use this fallacy when someone suggests improving school lunches and you respond, “Oh, so you want to ban all fun foods?”
What is strawman?
You embody this trait when you choose to tell the truth, though it would be easier to lie and protect yourself.
What is intellectual integrity?
A doctor, patient, and an insurance agent each look at the same surgery in very different ways. This scenario demonstrates this part of thinking.
What are points of view?
A person conveniently forgets information that contradicts their thinking. They are demonstrating this pathological disposition.
What is egocentric memory?
A student who didn’t study believes they’ll “ace the exam” because they’ve always been lucky. They are demonstrating this defense mechanism.
What is wishful thinking?
During a debate about climate change, one participant starts talking about the economic hardships caused by environmental regulations, distracting from the original discussion about climate science. This scenario is an example of this fallacy.
What is red herring?
During a group project, Maya realizes her approach might not be the best and actively seeks input from others. Maya demonstrated this intellectual trait.
What is intellectual humility?
A hiring manager reviews a candidate’s resume and concludes they would be a strong fit for the team. This describes this part of thinking.
What is inferences?
In a sports team, members who fail to follow the coach’s tactics are benched or left out of team social events after games. This is an example of this form of sociocentric thought.
What is group control?
Saying you skipped a meeting because it “would’ve been boring” when you’re actually avoiding a tough conversation is an example of this defense mechanism.
What is rationalization?
Julia defends a bad investment by saying, “Well, a billionaire once said it was a smart move,” despite the lack of real evidence. This scenario demonstrates this fallacy.
What is appeal to authority?
During a heated debate on social issues, you pause to consider the emotional experiences behind the opposing view, seeking to understand the personal context of the other person's perspective before responding. You are embodying this trait.
What is intellectual empathy?
A company plans its marketing campaign under the belief that “young people don’t read newspapers,” without testing the idea. This scenario demonstrates this part of thinking.
What are assumptions?
At a workplace, employees feel pressured to agree with every decision made by management, even if they privately disagree. This is an example of this form of sociocentric thought.
What is group conformity?
To feel more valued, Clara imitates her boss’s aggressive leadership style – even though it causes tension with her peers and goes against her own values. Clara is demonstrating this defense mechanism.
What is identification?
After his school installs one new recycling bin, Liam says, “Next thing you know, we’ll be a zero-waste campus that saves the planet!” Liam demonstrated this fallacy.
What is slippery slope?