PSYC 201W Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Empiricism, Critical Thinking, Rationality
5 Jan 2019
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One of 4 methods by which ppl come to hold beliefs about world. Tenacity - involves believing something simply b/c it is what we have long believed. No exploration of one"s beliefs, no contemplation of opposing viewpoints. Entails closing oneself off to info threatening firmly held belief. Refusing to consider contrary evidence reduces likelihood of forming accurate beliefs. Authority - involves relying on other ppl as our source of knowledge & beliefs & is pervasive throughout our life. In childhood, we rely on parents, other caregivers, etc for all sorts of knowledge. We are more likely to rely on others for info when we perceive them as credible. In general, most likely to view someone as credible when following are true. Believe that person has expertise on subject. Relying on authority can be highly efficient. Is how society passes down knowledge from one generation to next so that each new generation doesn"t have to reinvent wheel.
