Thinking About How We Think
Beyond Bias and Belief: A Journey Through Hashkafa and Reality
Personal Note: I need to correct the record in a couple of areas from yesterday’s presentation.
I mistakenly stated that Matthew Henry lived in the 1500s instead of the 1600s. He lived from 1662 to 1714. I knew this, I just said it wrong.
When speaking about Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, I said, “God changed his name to one who wrestles with Israel.” Duh. I know Israel means one who wrestles with God. My brain didn’t quite get in front of my mouth. Oy vey!
On one of my slides, I put the wrong Scripture reference. It should be Proverbs 25:2, not 5:22. Ugh. The verse is, “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.”
The first three minutes of the live feed were not captured due to technical issues. The gremlins of technology were hard at work - those pesky creatures!
In case you were not able to hear the message this past Sabbath, I am reposting it below with a couple of comments to provide further clarification. I suggest you listen to it first before reading the additional thoughts I’ve posted in this blog.
Finally, I want to give a heartfelt thank you for all the positive feedback and comments I’ve received. I love the fact that we are growing and connecting like minds, humble and strong souls from the Jewish and Christian faiths. It is a beautiful thing to witness.
Deepening Our Hashkafa: Understanding Cognitive Biases in Scriptural Interpretation
I regret that due to time constraints, I could not fully develop some of my thoughts. Nonetheless, I would like to share them with you here on Substack for those who want to delve a little deeper.
In the Jewish tradition, hashkafa is more than just a viewpoint; it's the philosophical and theological lens through which we perceive and interact with the world. It shapes our understanding of scriptures, moral decisions, and even our daily actions. However, it's essential to recognize how cognitive biases can subtly influence our hashkafa, potentially coloring our interpretation of the texts we hold dear.
The following information is a part of my research for my presentation, but I just couldn't find room for it. I think you will find it fascinating.
Let's review the idea of 'confirmation bias.' This bias causes us to search for and give more importance to information that supports our existing beliefs and worldviews. When we study the Scriptures, it can lead us to concentrate on verses that confirm our current theological position while disregarding those that might provide a diverse viewpoint.
Consider the "anchoring effect." This cognitive bias refers to our tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information we come across. In the context of our religious beliefs, this could mean that our initial teachings or understandings of a text become a fixed anchor, influencing all subsequent interpretations and discussions.
And not to be overlooked is the 'bandwagon effect.' This is our inclination to align our beliefs with those of our community. In terms of hashkafa, this might manifest in unconsciously adopting the dominant theological perspectives of our faith community without critical examination.
Addressing these cognitive biases is about deepening our understanding, about ensuring that our hashkafa is as clear-eyed and reflective of the truths of the Torah as possible.
Navigating Truth in Politics, Science, and Social Sciences: The Interplay of Cognitive Biases and Hashkafa
In today's rapidly evolving world, where information is abundant yet often contradictory, discerning truth in politics, science, and social sciences is increasingly complex. This complexity is further amplified by the interplay of cognitive biases and our hashkafa, the philosophical or theological lens through which we view the world.
Cognitive Biases in Politics:
Politics, by its very nature, is a realm where cognitive biases are particularly potent. The 'confirmation bias' leads us to favor political information that aligns with our beliefs, often exacerbating partisan divides. The 'bandwagon effect' can sway our political opinions to align with popular sentiment or the views of our social group. To navigate political truth, we must actively seek diverse perspectives, challenge our preconceptions, and engage in critical analysis beyond surface-level rhetoric.
Hashkafa and Science:
In science, our hashkafa plays a subtle yet significant role. While scientific methodology strives for objectivity, the interpretation of scientific data can be influenced by our philosophical outlook. The 'anchoring effect' might cause us to rely too heavily on established scientific theories, potentially hindering the acceptance of new, groundbreaking ideas. A balanced approach to scientific truth involves recognizing the limitations of our understanding and being open to revising our views in light of new evidence, or the lack thereof.
Social Sciences and Cognitive Bias:
In social sciences, understanding the complexity of human societies and histories requires us to navigate our biases. The 'availability heuristic,' where we judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind, can skew our perception of social issues. It's crucial in social sciences to look beyond sensationalized narratives and delve into a comprehensive study of historical and cultural contexts, remembering the old saying, “History is written by the victors.”
In all these fields, recognizing and addressing our cognitive biases and the influence of our hashkafa is essential. It requires a commitment to lifelong learning, openness to diverse viewpoints, and a willingness to question and refine our understanding. As we engage with political discourse, scientific inquiry, and social studies, let's remember the wisdom of Proverbs 18:17: “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”
Meekness: The Cornerstone in Overcoming Cognitive Biases and Navigating Hashkafa
Meek is not weak. Meek is armed and very dangerous. They are people who have weapons, but they are keeping them sheathed. They don’t use them capriciously. Meek is the ability to use power but the decision to keep it under control. - Jordan Peterson
As we explore different fields, such as scriptural interpretation, politics, science, and social sciences, we come to realize that meekness is a crucial virtue. Although often mistaken for weakness, meekness is actually a display of strength and power that is tempered by humility. It is this quality that enables us to confront our cognitive biases and make wise decisions in our daily lives.
In the sphere of scriptural interpretation, meekness guides us to approach sacred texts with a balance of reverence and critical inquiry. It allows us to recognize our cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias or the anchoring effect and encourages us to question our long-held assumptions. This humility in learning leads to a deeper, more authentic engagement with the scriptures, aligning us closer to the truth.
Similarly, in the fields of politics, science, and social studies, meekness is essential in tempering our intellectual strength with humility. It enables us to acknowledge the limitations of our knowledge and the influence of our hashkafa. Meekness prompts us to seek diverse perspectives, be open to new ideas, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. It is the antidote to the polarization caused by cognitive biases, allowing for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
Meekness is not passivity; it is active engagement with an open heart and mind. It is the strength to challenge our own views, the humility to admit our fallibility, and the wisdom to grow from these experiences. As we explore various realms of knowledge and belief, let's embody the essence of meekness. Proverbs 15:33 states, "The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
By cultivating meekness, we not only enrich our personal understanding but also contribute to a more thoughtful, compassionate, and enlightened discourse. It is through this blend of strength and humility that we can navigate the complexities of our world, seeking truth in a manner that is both rigorous and respectful.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 - Yeshua of Nazareth.
Bonus Section: The Splinter in Our Minds: Awakening to a Distorted Reality
In the past few years, many of us have experienced an awakening, a growing realization akin to what Morpheus describes to Neo in "The Matrix" as having a "splinter in your mind." This metaphor captures a profound and unsettling sense of awareness, a nagging feeling that something about our world is amiss, yet it remains elusive, just beyond the grasp of our understanding.
1. Recognizing the Splinter:
The 'splinter' represents a deep, often subconscious, recognition that the reality presented to us may be distorted or incomplete. It's a sense that the narratives we've been told about our world - in politics, media, social structures, and even our personal lives - might not fully encompass the truth. This splinter in our minds manifests as a persistent discomfort, a feeling of dissonance when we encounter the inconsistencies and contradictions in the world around us.
2. The Role of Information and Media:
In an age dominated by information overload and digital media, discerning truth from falsehood becomes increasingly complex. The constant barrage of news, opinions, and narratives can create a cacophony that drowns out our ability to think critically and independently. This information deluge can deepen the splinter, leaving us more confused and uncertain about what to believe.
3. Awakening to the Distortion:
The awakening, much like Neo's experience, involves recognizing the extent of this distortion. It's about seeing beyond the surface, questioning the status quo, and seeking a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our perceptions. This process can be disorienting and challenging, as it often requires us to reconsider long-held beliefs and confront uncomfortable truths.
4. The Journey for Truth:
The quest to 'pin down' this elusive truth is a journey that requires courage, curiosity, and resilience. It involves sifting through layers of misinformation and bias, confronting cognitive biases and our own hashkafa, and embracing the complexity of the world in its entirety. This journey is not about finding simple answers but about developing a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the world.
5. Embracing Uncertainty and Complexity:
Part of this awakening involves accepting that some questions have no easy answers and that the world is inherently complex. It means being comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity recognizing that our understanding is always evolving. This acceptance empowers us to engage with the world more authentically and openly.
6. The Role of Community and Dialogue:
As we navigate this journey, the role of community and dialogue cannot be overstated. Engaging in thoughtful conversations, exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives, and building supportive networks can help us piece together a more coherent picture of reality. These interactions provide the checks and balances needed to refine our understanding and challenge our assumptions.
7. The Path Forward:
The path forward is one of continuous exploration and growth. It's about cultivating a mindset that values critical thinking, empathy, and meekness. As we learn to live with the splinter in our minds, we become more adept at discerning truth, more resilient in the face of manipulation, and more compassionate in our interactions with others.
The 'splinter in our minds' metaphorically serves as a catalyst for delving deeper into our world. It urges us to break free from the comfort of familiar narratives and embark on a quest for a more profound understanding of the intricacies of our reality. Just like Neo, we have the power to choose how far we are willing to venture down the rabbit hole in our pursuit of knowledge, truth, and a clearer vision of our place in the world.
Have a great day! Stay sharp. Pray. Be ready.
Ty
Join the Discussion: Engage with other readers in the comments section. Share your thoughts, respond to others' stories, and be part of a community exploring the rich lessons of this week’s topic.
Ask Questions: If you have questions or seek a deeper understanding of this blog post, feel free to ask.
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