Question

Where do you see yourself using activated ignorance to think about issues? What steps could you take to move towards activated knowledge on this issue?

Answer 1

By activated ignorance, we mean taking into the mind, and actively using, information that is false, though we mistakenly think it to be true. When it comes to interpreting the causes of others' and my own behaviors, I often find myself to be a victim of the fundamental attribution error. This is a mistaken belief that results from the tendency to place undue emphasis on internal characteristics, rather than external factors, in explaining other people's behavior in sharp contrast to one's own.

Activated knowledge involves us taking into the mind, and actively using, information that is not only true but that, when insightfully understood, leads us by implication to more and more knowledge. The first step one should take to move to activated knowledge is the recognition and acceptance of one's ignorance, and the desire to change it. In my case, the initial step has been taken and I now need to move on to making conscious efforts to reduce my biases by being able to develop the ability of perspective taking.