What is rationality? There are two types of rationality: Epistemic rationality is the willingness to update one's beliefs based on logic, critical thinking, and empirical evidence. Instrumental rationality is the ability to make good decisions and achieve goals effectively. For both types, we can embrace rationality by living in accordance with reason (= rational), oppose rationality by thinking and acting contrary to reason (= irrational/emotional), or transcend rationality by … [Read more...]
Metaphysical Toughness: The Antidote to Bigotry
Humans are often said to have a "need for metaphysics" (Schopenhauer). Aware of our own mortality, we deeply desire knowledge of and meaning in life. This drives us to create myths, religions, philosophies, value systems, and scientific paradigms. We like to see meaning as something profound and glorious. We say, "Meaning is precious because it makes our suffering worthwhile." But what if the meanings we find and invent are just our weak mind protecting itself with rationalizations? What if … [Read more...]
Is Religion a Vital Source of Meaning?
Why are religious people happier, on average, than atheists? Because religion gives people meaning in life, and meaning is a substantial part of happiness. Religion can be a source of meaning in various ways: Religious communities give people a sense of belonging (communal solidarity, mutual support, ethnohistorical purpose, etc.). Religious mores and practices give people a sense of order (theistic morality, ritualism, liturgy, etc.). Religious faith and beliefs give people … [Read more...]
Negativity Bias in Ethics
Introduction Human cognition is biased towards negativity. We feel worse about losing money than we feel good about winning money. We think and reason more about what makes us sad than about what makes us happy. We pay more attention to negative events than positive events. We remember hardship better than fortune and rivalry better than conviviality. Punishment is more effective for learning than reward. Drama sells better than harmony. Disrespect hurts more than respect feels good. And … [Read more...]
The Mindcoolness Declaration of Ideology
A Declaration of My Personal Values and Beliefs As I have been writing a lot about politics, metapolitics, and ethics on this blog lately, I feel obliged to declare my personal Weltanschauung so that you have an easier time spotting potential blind spots and biases in my writing and arguing. Please do not hesitate to call me out on any bullshit, falsity, irrationality, or incongruence you find here or in any of my blog posts, but do consider that I am a developing human being whose attitudes and … [Read more...]