The right way to know you might be wrong (w/ Tenelle Porter)
Mar 10, 2025
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Tenelle Porter, an assistant professor of psychology at Rowan University who specializes in intellectual humility, joins the conversation to share insights on embracing our fallibility. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when we might be wrong, suggesting that this openness can lead to personal growth and richer dialogues. Porter highlights its crucial role in education, revealing how teenagers with this quality achieve better academic results. The discussion also explores practical strategies for cultivating humility in both adults and children, enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Intellectual humility encourages recognition of our own knowledge limitations, fostering open-minded dialogues in polarized environments like politics and social media.
Modeling intellectual humility in educational settings promotes a culture of openness, enabling students to express doubts and embrace learning from mistakes.
Deep dives
Understanding Intellectual Humility
Intellectual humility is defined as the recognition of one’s own limitations in knowledge and an awareness that one might be wrong. It involves understanding that while individuals may feel certain about their beliefs, these feelings don't always align with reality. This concept is crucial in fostering better conversations and relationships, particularly in today's polarized environment. Embracing this humility can lead to more open-minded dialogues and a willingness to learn from others.
The Importance of Context in Developing Humility
Understanding the varying degrees of intellectual humility across different ages is vital, especially in educational contexts. Research indicates that teenagers often exhibit flexibility in their knowledge when compared to younger children, who might claim to know everything. During adolescence, students can be more receptive to feedback and show persistence in learning, significantly impacting their academic performance. Cultivating an environment that supports intellectual humility can encourage better learning outcomes and adaptability in young adults.
Modeling Humility for Others
Modeling intellectual humility can influence those around us, particularly in educational or familial settings. When educators and parents openly acknowledge their own uncertainties, it encourages children and students to express their own doubts and questions without fear of ridicule. Celebrating moments when children admit their mistakes can foster a culture of openness and learning. By demonstrating that it’s acceptable to not have all the answers, adults can significantly boost the intellectual humility of younger individuals.
The Societal Impact of Embracing Humility
Widespread acceptance and practice of intellectual humility could result in improved societal interactions and reduced division among individuals with differing views. A culture that values flexibility in beliefs facilitates better understanding and cooperation among people, even when they disagree. If more people embraced this perspective, it would lead to greater progress and openness in both personal relationships and larger societal discourse. By acknowledging the nuanced nature of knowledge, communities can foster healthier and more constructive dialogues.
Tenelle Porter’s job is to study humility. Specifically, intellectual humility, the idea that we might be wrong or mistaken about some of our beliefs. Tenelle talks with Chris about why she thinks intellectual humility is so important, how to cultivate it, and why it’s the missing piece in so many conversations these days. Whether it’s in politics, academia or social media, Tenelle argues discovering you are wrong doesn’t have to be a painful realization, rather it can lead to positive discovery.