What does it mean to be open minded?

Question

On these boards, I often find that people sometimes insist that others should be more open-minded. The truth is that they are actually being close minded in asking someone else to be open minded. It got me thinking. Does open minded mean you should agree with me no matter what I say? (which is often what i think people mean when they ask others to be open minded) To me open minded is be willing to listen to any view point, it does not require you to agree or disagree, just listen and respect that what you are hearing is what they choose to believe. What do you all think being open minded means?

Answer 1

The mark of an educated and open-minded person is that he or she can contemplate opposing viewpoints objectively. It doesn't mean automatically agreeing with someone, only listening to their perspective, considering it carefully, and being polite in one's response.

Answer 2

I agree. A lot of people seem to think others are "close minded" because they don't agree

Let me give you an example

I am very open minded on the subject of abortion

I will listen to other's points of view and I understand why some people are against it. Thats their opinion and I'm open to listening to it and I dont criticize them.

However, I believe in a womans right to choose

But I think the other side has some good points. Doesn't mean I AGREE but I can understand their arguments

That makes me open minded on that subject at least.


So open minded = receptive to other opinions, but not necessarily agree or disagree.

Answer 3

To Have an open mind and take in what is being said do not judge or put down what others feel. Take time to look at it from that persons point of view. And to just agree with what is being said? that is not open minded and you have a good understanding of "open minded"
'Keep the Doors Open'

Answer 4

Open minded means being able to listen and take in new thoughts or opinions without prejudice of your own beliefs. Not just to listen politely and then respond no because of your own preconceived beliefs. But to think about what is being said, objectively look at and weigh the evidence before making an educated decision.

Answer 5

well, open-mindedness is the ability to listen to BOTH sides of a situation, and opinionate accordingly, you SHOULD have an opinion, and a reaction even though you are "open minded" but you will at least HEAR THEM OUT.

you dont just discredit one side completely from the start because of their stranding, you accept the fact that MAYBE, you are wrong, or partially wrong, and need to change your views on the subject.

you are OPEN to criticism, and correction.

"everyday in the world of science, one scientist will say to another "you know, thats a very good point you have, I was wrong" and never will you hear the old view again. This NEVER happens in the world of religion or politics."

this statement shows open-mindedness from science, and closed mindedness from religion and politics.

It is VERY unhealthy for a society to have so much closed mindedness.

It is the reason for communism, socialism, and religious segregation. as well as political segregation and eventually violence.

all sides need to be heard, and debated, in order for the best possible outcome. but more often than not, in every society today, this does not happen. the team who is on top, stays on top, until they are thrown from the throne. (usually, with violence)

Answer 6

Openmindedness is the center of agnosticism. It means don't go into an arguement or debate believing you have all the answers and are 100% right, or even you believe you are correct, be open to listening to the opposition and willing to accept any truths they may hold. Its not about proving someone right or wrong or about agreeing with other people. Its about listening to other people and understanding that their answers could have just as much validity as your do.

Answer 7

Being open minded is usually associated with good things - like being fair, unbiased, receptive, amenable, tolerant, etc. All good qualities when used judiciously.

Being open-minded is still a good quality to strive for, but not at the expense of sacrificing your own brainwork. Criminals must be held accountable. Unfortunately, personal responsibility and accountability have been eroded by soft-hearted, soft-minded movements based in feelings and fantasy instead of reality based thought. This direction will only increase crime and dependence and decay our society further.

It is sad how people confuse the word open-minded to their own expectations, like you said to agree with them and stop thinking your own opinion. They want us to accept the wrong reality going on in the world even if we don't agree and know it is wrong.

These are people called: Open-Mindedness
Open-mindedness can be synonymous with cowardice and an inability or unwillingness to form an opinion and/or stand up for what you believe. This can be equally as useless and destructive to the fabric of society as being maliciously opinionated. It enables dependence and creates apathy and passivity.

For God, Open-Minded mean: You know Him. You are in the truth, you stay away from wrong doing. You don't agree with sin. You love others as you love yourself.

God bless you and have a great Day!

Answer 8

I couldn't agree with you more. I had the same problem at my church, of all places. There are many ultra-liberal members of our congregation and when we were having a disagreement within the church, these people became hellbent on showing the rest of us the "correct" way to think. They were so busy trying to save us from our ignorance and help us to "become more tolerant", when it was them who were not tolerant of us. They actually told us that our opinions were "wrong". How could my OPINION be wrong? It's just my opinion (and you know what they say about opinions...)

I have no problem respecting people, listening to their views and learning about all the aspects of any issue, disagreement or argument. I am also happy to 'agree to disagree' about an issue. That is what being open minded is to me.

Answer 9

You are partially correct, although the definition of "open minded" does not end with simply listening. True open mindedness is the ability to cast off your own biases and dogmatic paradigms and accept that what someone else is saying may be correct. It does not mean you have to agree, it means you have to examine the possibility that they are right, weigh it against the evidence at hand, and adopt or dismiss it accordingly.

Answer 10

I think open minded is to hear without passing biased judgment!!

Basing your opinion on the information you receive is a relative thing though. My values may bring me to a different response than someone else, but the key is to respect others views and expect yours to be respected just the same!!!

Answer 11

no i think being open minded means that you would condsider that the other's person's point of view may be valuable. it's also the difference between stating that something is an opinion or a fact and not making an opinion sound like it is the absolute only right answer.