Frequently, scholars find themselves holding divergent arguments to those held by fellow scholars. In attempting to respond to the differing opinions, one may get carried away and deviate from an ethical argument. The scholar trying to disagree may also exhibit cognitive bias, meaning that their opinion may be irrational and not based on facts. Such an argument may work against them, and they may end up losing in their argument. There is a need for scholars to exhibit high levels of ethical response backed by ideological reasoning, and at the same time, shun being cognitively bias.
One of the most dominant topics in the world today is climate change. Numerous research has proven that one of the most influential factors to climate change is human activities. Despite extensive research and studies to validate this theory, an individual may still believe that humans are not contributing to the conditions that cause climate change.
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In responding to such an individual, I would ensure that I argue ethically to avoid strengthening their stance, especially with cognitive bias. The first measure would be to evaluate their arguments critically. The critical evaluation would comprise probing their stand on the issue at hand by placing skepticism around it and then giving the individual the chance to debunk my skepticism. According to (Harris, 2018), evaluation as a method of ethical response comprises looking for gaps and inconsistencies in the argument. The individual holding a divergent opinion may often make unwarranted conclusions. Countering these conclusions with evidence-based responses would show high levels of ethical responses. By basing my response on credible research findings, I would issue an answer that is not cognitively biased and not based on system-1 thinking based on emotions and intuition.
I would seek to achieve this by arguing using findings that corroborate my argument while discrediting the opposing individual’s views. For example, a study conducted by the European Environment Agency (EEA, 2020) states that human activities largely contribute to climate change. These activities lead to an increase in greenhouse gas composition and other impurities in the atmosphere that subsequently affects the climate.
I think that divergent beliefs among people are as a result of social influence. Social influence is how people embrace and adapt their opinions and views based on their interactions with other people (Moussaïd, 2013). Bearing that in mind, I believe that an individual may hold a particular belief to feel like part of a specific group that he/she finds themselves in.
References
EEA. (2020). How do human activities contribute to climate change and how do they compare with natural influences? Retrieved from European Environment Agency: https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/climate/faq/how-do-human-activities-contribute-to-climate-change-and-how-do-they-compare-with-natural-influences
Harris, P. J. (2018 ). A Guide to Writing in Ethical Reasoning 15 . Massachusetts: Harvard College Program in General Education-Faculty of Arts and Sciences-Harvard University.
Moussaïd, M., Kämmer, J. E., Analytis, P. P., & Neth, H. (2013). Social influence and the collective dynamics of opinion formation . PLoS ONE, 8(11), e78433. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0078433
