We all like to think our views are balanced and reasonable. Yet the diversity of opinion out there suggests we can’t all be right. Is there even such a thing as a “balanced” worldview?
Tag: active inference
Fact and Value: Two Sides of One Coin?
Are the concepts of fact and value as distinct as we tend to believe? It is a common understanding that fact and value are distinct categories, mutually exclusive to the extent that philosophy has developed separate fields for the study of each, respectively epistemology and axiology. But is this really so? I shall try below… Continue reading Fact and Value: Two Sides of One Coin?
Identity and Worldview
I consider below the two seminal ideas of identity and worldview from a cognitive perspective. My starting point is the newly emerging view of the human mind as a prediction machine which operates on the basis of an embedded model of the world it experiences, This model it constantly seeks to improve, so as to… Continue reading Identity and Worldview
On Stereotyping, Part 2 – Should stereotyping be considered harmful?
In Part 1 of this article where I asked Is it OK to stereotype people?, I pointed out how modern cognitive science, understood in particular in terms of the paradigm of Active Inference, leads us to conclude that stereotyping is intrinsic to all observing, understanding and learning. So any attempt to stigmatise people for engaging… Continue reading On Stereotyping, Part 2 – Should stereotyping be considered harmful?
On Stereotyping, Part 1 – Is it OK to stereotype people?
It is a commonplace assumption that stereotyping people is a bad thing which we should do our utmost to avoid. Perhaps this is a position you would agree with, on the grounds that it is wrong to make generalisations since this can result in us misjudging people and potentially treating them unfairly. But I would… Continue reading On Stereotyping, Part 1 – Is it OK to stereotype people?
“Know Thyself” Is the Beginning of Science.
Scientists should understand themselves as both learners and active creators of knowledge, according to a recent research paper on “Distributed Science: The Scientific Process as Multi-Scale Active Inference.” The study disputes the traditional inductive scientific method and suggests a Bayesian model, whereby multiple theories are weighed side by side for plausibility. The model also factors in the role of personal and community-wide interests affecting scientific advancement. Caution is called for when interpreting science-based policies, since scientific understanding is always evolving.