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1/ I want to comment about this study, but first I want to make one thing clear: My comment is not about Cory. I’m not faulting her. My comment is about the studies like this and their possible effects relative to the mission of Heterodox Academy. https://twitter.com/ImHardcory/status/1266349632034127873
2/ My comment:
On one hand, from an academic social science standpoint, the question of left-right diffs is understandably fascinating.
On the other hand, from an “Can we all get along?” standpoint, studies like these seem not only beside the point, but worse, divisive.
On one hand, from an academic social science standpoint, the question of left-right diffs is understandably fascinating.
On the other hand, from an “Can we all get along?” standpoint, studies like these seem not only beside the point, but worse, divisive.
3/ It’s clear that people tend to fear, and even hate, that which they do not understand.
And, as Jon Haidt has pointed out, a key to reducing partisan divisiveness is to emphasize our similarities and common interests rather than our differences.
And, as Jon Haidt has pointed out, a key to reducing partisan divisiveness is to emphasize our similarities and common interests rather than our differences.
4/ Therefore, it would seem that key tactics of Heterodox Academy would include 1) fostering better understanding and 2) highlighting common interests.
5/ But, it seems to me, studies like this do the opposite of both of those things.
They feed the beast of MISunderstanding.
They emphasize differences.
They feed the beast of MISunderstanding.
They emphasize differences.
6/ In this way, Heterodox Academy’s continuous promotion of studies like this seems to be counterproductive to its mission of increasing intellectual diversity and decreasing partisan bias in academia.
7/ I do not question the goals of Heterodox Academy, nor do I question the heartfelt good intentions of its members, but...
8/ ...since actions speak louder than words, I just wonder sometimes if Heterodox Academy has really thought through the message its actions sometimes convey.
