2) Why We Think We’re Right: Cognitive Biases & Moral Foundations

• How are our opinions (and those of others) shaped and formed?
• How do cognitive biases (e.g., confirmation bias, groupthink) affect our ability to think rationally?
• How do different moral foundations lead us to having different opinions?

Read This:

• Arceneaux, K. (2012), ‘Cognitive Biases and the Strength of Political Arguments’, American Journal of Political Science, 56(2), pp.271-285.
• Yagoda, B. (2018), ‘The Cognitive Biases Tricking Your Brain’, The Atlantic (September).

• Graham, J., Haidt, J. and Nosek, B.A (2009), ‘Liberals and conservatives rely on different sets of moral foundations’,  Journal of personality and social psychology, 96(5), pp.1029-1046.
• Gray, K. (2025), Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. (Selections)

Do This:

In Class:

Cognitive Bias Quiz

Moral Foundations Test

Listen to This:

J. Galef: How to Argue Better

Watch This:

J. Haidt: The Moral Roots of Liberals and Conservatives:

Homework:

Choose an issue you feel strongly about and try to “steel man” the opposing viewpoint in your reflection journal. What might be their rationale? Their moral foundation? Can you identify any cognitive biases that you bring to the issue?