The Nuanced Reality of Black-and-White Thinking

The Complexity of Human Opinions

Many people believe that reality exists in a "grey area" for most topics, such as politics, infidelity, addiction, and violence. This perspective acknowledges the complexity of human experiences and the multitude of factors that influence individual situations. For instance, political decisions often involve balancing conflicting interests and values, making it difficult to categorize them as purely right or wrong.

Having a default stance on any issue before hearing all the details and considering every nuance can make one's opinion less valuable. This approach can lead to oversimplification and a lack of understanding of the multifaceted nature of real-world problems. In contrast, remaining open to new information and perspectives allows for more informed and thoughtful opinions.

The Necessity of Default Stances

Some believe that having a default stance on certain topics is necessary and does not make one a "yes" or "no" vote without thought. For example, having a strong stance against violence or infidelity can be rooted in deeply held ethical principles and personal experiences. These default stances can serve as moral compasses, guiding individuals in their decision-making processes.

There are concepts that have been given careful thought over the years, and having default stances on some topics can be a sign of thoughtful consideration rather than wishy-washiness. For instance, the principle that "murder is wrong" is a widely accepted moral stance that has been reinforced through centuries of philosophical and ethical discourse.

The Pitfalls of Absolute Certainty

The statement "100% certainty shows lack of intelligence and experience" is itself a form of black-and-white thinking. While it is true that absolute certainty can sometimes indicate a lack of openness to new information, it is also possible for individuals to feel very certain about things for many reasons. This certainty can change over time, reflecting human nature and the evolving understanding of complex issues.

Certain psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD and BPD, can cause people to think in black-and-white terms, which is not necessarily indicative of a lack of intelligence. These conditions can influence how individuals perceive and respond to situations, underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding in evaluating others' perspectives.

The Importance of Principles and Flexibility

Having principles, such as "Murder is wrong" and "People have a right to privacy," is important and does not make one's opinions worthless. These principles provide a foundation for ethical behavior and societal norms. However, flexibility in assessing new situations, ideas, and evidence is crucial, as is understanding the difference between general principles and specific situations.

Being certain in some areas helps shape our beliefs, but the inability to adjust beliefs in the face of new evidence is problematic. Evaluating facts and evidence to reach a 99% conclusion based on available information is a rational approach. This method allows for strong convictions while maintaining the openness to revise opinions when presented with new, compelling evidence.

The Balance Between Firm Stances and Openness

Some actions, like those of Jeffrey Dahmer, are widely agreed upon as being wrong, demonstrating that not all issues exist in a grey area. Similarly, child r*** is an example of an issue that is considered 100% wrong, illustrating that some matters are black and white. These clear-cut stances are essential for upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable.

Taking half-measures and not opposing predators, tyrants, and the intolerant can be more problematic than having firm stances. The ability to change one's mind is a human trait and does not necessarily indicate a lack of certainty or intelligence. People's experiences and mental health conditions can influence their certainty and perspectives on various issues.

Thoughtful consideration of new evidence and situations is essential for forming well-rounded opinions. Having preconceived values does not preclude the ability to reassess and adjust one's views when presented with new information. The balance between having firm principles and being open to new evidence is key to intelligent and experienced thinking.

Understanding that some issues are inherently black and white while others are grey requires nuanced thinking and life experience. This nuanced approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the world and fosters empathy and respect for diverse perspectives.