This is a blog to discuss philosophy, chess, politics,
C. S. Lewis, or whatever it is that I'm in the mood to discuss.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Is anyone bias-free?
In the debate over Regnerus' investigation of same-sex parenting, it seems to me that objectivity is, by the very nature of the case, going to be difficult to come by. See the discussion here.
I think it's beyond reasonable doubt that no one is bias-free. I like to think of bias as a spectrum or contiuum, with some people more biased than others. And I agree with all three of Cal's points.
There seems to be some sort of assumption here that bias is necessarily a Bad Thing. Why is that? I am biased in favor of healthy food, green spaces, great art, beautiful buildings, music that stirs my soul, physical books over e-books, space for contemplation, Beatles over Stones, and Coke over Pepsi. All good things, and not to be disparaged.
4 comments:
VR: "Is anyone bias free?"
No.
Does that mean we can't recognize bias, and see when it affects thinking, research, beliefs, etc?
No.
Does the fact that we are all biased to some degree mean that there's no variety in the extent to which biases affect our thinking?
No.
Do we have any way of recognizing bias, and reducing its impact on our thinking, research, beliefs, etc.?
Yes we do.
when you going to start Sheldon?
I think it's beyond reasonable doubt that no one is bias-free. I like to think of bias as a spectrum or contiuum, with some people more biased than others. And I agree with all three of Cal's points.
There seems to be some sort of assumption here that bias is necessarily a Bad Thing. Why is that? I am biased in favor of healthy food, green spaces, great art, beautiful buildings, music that stirs my soul, physical books over e-books, space for contemplation, Beatles over Stones, and Coke over Pepsi. All good things, and not to be disparaged.
We ought not to be biased against bias!
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