Kyle's Findings.

Are you capable of reflective, constructive self-criticism?

think about a proposition you believe as true. It can be anything, for example …

• Apple products are superior to Microsoft.
• Human carbon emissions are increasing global temperature.
• Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
• The New York Yankees are the best team in baseball.
• Herbal remedies are better than industrial pharmaceuticals.
• Lower tax rates increase economic development.

Now, the test: what would it take to convince you that your belief is wrong?

If that question is difficult to answer — that is, you can’t think of anything which would convince you you’re wrong — your belief may be dogmatic.

This conclusion seems totally rational. If you don’t know why you believe something (or put another way, why you don’t believe the contrary), it’s likely you haven’t critically considered both sides of the issue:

the problem with dogmatic beliefs is that thinking and higher-level analysis is simply suspended, whereas an investigative person will be in a constant state of exploration, reconsideration and reevaluation. Even their core presuppositions are regularly up for review.

Check out the full article by James Shelley, Are You Dumbfounded?