Have you, or someone you know, ever bought a car and then
you seemed to see the same kind of car everywhere? This is very similar to
confirmation bias.
You see the car more because you recognize it and notice when you see it. Our
senses pick up far more information than we can possibly process and
consciously recognize. The average person probably sees dozens of cars a day.
Confirmation bias means that you notice the things that confirm your beliefs
and are less likely to notice things that contradict them, or you may just
think that they are rare exceptions. I
think that sexism and most other discriminatory beliefs are largely due to
confirmation bias.
(Source: xkcd)
I also
think nearly everyone (certainly including myself) is constantly and strongly
influenced by confirmation bias and other biases. Sometimes
I wonder if I should even trust myself. Honestly I don’t think I should,
but I don’t really have much choice now do I. This belief emphasized by things
like this
and this(particularly fascinating)
makes me question whether we can ever really be sure we know the truth. This idea bothers me a lot. It is for some
reason important to me to think that logical reasoning, evidence, and a good
debate can lead to the truth. I still think those things are important and will
on average lead to something closer to the truth than any other method, but I
am no longer convinced that they necessarily will. I am likely to express my
opinion on things once in a while, so I think, given my beliefs, that I should
explain a little about myself and what biases I may have.
My name
is Ethan (not sure how that would be relevant, but you never know. Maybe I am
more likely to like the store Ethan-Allen?). I grew up in central Minnesota,
United States of America. I think in some ways my view are fairly typical of an
American (I am pro freedom and democracy and things like that). I am currently
in college working towards a bachelor’s degree in economics. I think economics
has influenced me a lot. I often view things in terms of costs and benefits to
an individual and society. I was Lutheran for most of my life. Around 16 I
started doubting Christianity and around when I was 19 I started considering
myself atheist (and I still do). I think I am very liberal in nearly every
since of the word except for the political left wing sense. I am generally for
more freedoms, embracing change, and letting people live the life styles that
they want to. I am pretty geeky(if you haven’t noticed you soon will). That is
all I can really think of.
So, as
you view my blog realize that I am not claiming to be an expert in anything or
that I am always right. Try to keep my biases in mind and maybe yours as well.
