This can be so infuriating, don't you think? I just wish some people would learn to keep a more open mind, otherwise debating some things can become near impossible... Thoughts?
2007-12-18 06:55:50 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I know where you're coming from with this question. I completely agree. However, you also have to be careful about what you define as being 'closed-minded'.
It could be argued that on certain topics, I am very closed minded. For example, it would take you an eternity to convince me that snow is black and not white. You could try to convince me by mashing soil into it, or covering it with tar. But still, I would remain rather closed minded to the possibility that snow is actually black.
What I do find frustrating however (and I think this is the point you're trying to highlight) is when people come to a conclusion before evaluating the evidence. Nowhere have I found this to be more true than in the topic (for it is not really a debate) on creationism. Despite all good tested, recorded, and replicated scientific evidence from several branches of science that suggest an 'old-earth', there are still people who firmly believe that the earth is less than 5,000 years old.
What's more, the type of people who believe this (in complete ignorance of any replicable evidence you may provide) will firmly assert that there is no scientific evidence to prove an 'old-earth'.
This is close-mindedness of the highest calibre, and shows a massive miss-understanding of what science is.
On the topic of old-earth/new-earth, all this doesn't really bother me too much (after all, it's just an opinion, and it doesn't effect the fact that I'm alive today).
The point at which it does bother me though, is when this lack of understanding of science (i.e. to 'know' something before the evidence is evaluated) is forced into the political sphere, and affects aspects of my life.
Thinking of this nature can have dramatic consequences on not-so scientific aspects of politics too. For example, we 'know' that Iraq has WMD.
2007-12-18 21:06:16 · answer #1 · answered by this account was hacked 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe so...
But i'm pretty social sometimes making me less religious ; on the PC ie
I have this frustrating Trip coming up; Still " not confirmed".
Do have a good One,...
There is really no point poiny in looking up to the plans of someOne else; N putting aside your ability to make a difference.
Sorry for being such a B*tch
2007-12-18 07:50:12 · answer #2 · answered by ill zee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Socrates 500 BC (In life there is only one good knowledge. Only one evil ignorance.) With a closed mind you learn nothing, There are certain things I believe ie Night follows Day, but if you tell me I am wrong and it is Day that follows Night. Well you could be right.
2007-12-18 21:38:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try altering the way you present the statement or opinion. Use this to get good ideas for those "close minded folk".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syllogism
You can also use other Persuasive argument techniques, If you ever watch Perry Mason or Matlock reruns you can see the Syllogism put into use.
Good Luck!
2007-12-18 07:05:33 · answer #4 · answered by aylatroy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've learned that instead of arguing with a close-minded person, to instead ask them why they feel the way they do. Sometimes you can see why they got to where they are. Like - I once knew someone who was very racist - and when I asked her why - she told me she had had to move to a school where she was one of the few white students and she, herself had been a victim of racism - so she developed her own racism in response. From that point - I could talk to her about her postion.
2007-12-18 08:08:44 · answer #5 · answered by zeaujeau 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely frustrating especially when they won't even consider another point of view for the sake of argument. I don't expect someone to do a 180 on their beliefs but sometimes people won't even entertain the possibility that there is another side.
2007-12-18 07:04:26 · answer #6 · answered by Leaf 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all the time. usually i talk to muslim people [no offence] and they have ideas like god who made us and that you can`t do that and you can`t do this because this is what their religion says.. and you can`t wear that and you can`t wear this and you can`t be with someone who is not muslim [no offence again]
they used to criticize me and my ex boyfriend because he was catholic and me ortodox [i`m european, baby xD]
and i get really, REALLY frustrated mostly because i am not a religious person and they are so closed minded that they don`t wanna listen and keep their opinions about allah and stuff like that.
[no offence for the 3rd time]
2007-12-18 08:27:12 · answer #7 · answered by not me, not now 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most definite. They will not listening to your points of view or see why you think your opinions, they just believe whatever THEY believe is the RIGHT thing and have to much pride to think or admit that they could be wrong.
i try my best to stay away from those people, or they will drive my blood pressure up the wall.
2007-12-18 07:05:10 · answer #8 · answered by Just_Call_Me_Shady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mark Twain provided some time tested advice on this very issue...
"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference".
2007-12-18 07:04:09 · answer #9 · answered by michele 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I echo your frustration and like to quote something to someone who has a closed mind.
"A mind works best when it is like a parachute, only when open."
~Anonymous
Feel free to use it as you see fit. Enjoy
2007-12-18 12:36:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋