I wonder if “Fuzzy Trace Theory” is useful to help discourage conservatives from using logical arguments in the belief logic will change a liberal’s mind? Fuzzy Trace Theory suggests that people make bad decisions based on using trace bits of evidence to support a general belief they want to have. If you query the same individuals, they tend to know the facts and understand the logic—it is simply not what they want to believe, hence they draw upon the occasional bit of supporting evidence or imagined evidence in support of their belief. If there is no negative consequence to that belief, arguing logic with them won’t change the belief. Inside, they have a good sense of the facts, they just don’t like them.
I think I follow the idea of Fuzzy Trace Theory, but how could that be harnessed to win arguments? What would an example be?
Interesting stuff on Fuzzy Trace Theory. Thank you for that.
Note, in the model of Fuzzy Trace Theory, an individual is quieting the anxiety triggered by the amygdala, by focusing attention upon any bits of information which turn the anxiety off, and assuage the amygdala. The mechanism which drives this is described in this post. I think it is why Liberals are Liberal, and why logic is of no use to them.
http://www.anonymousconservative.com/blog/?p=315