LSE: Public lectures and events Beliefism: how to stop hating the people we disagree with
Jun 11, 2025
In this insightful dialogue, Professor Paul Dolan, a Behavioral Science expert from LSE and author of 'Beliefism', tackles the urgent issue of polarization in society. He introduces the concept of Beliefism—judging others based solely on their beliefs rather than their actual views. Dolan emphasizes the importance of listening to differing opinions and fostering meaningful dialogue. He explores self-censorship in academia, familial estrangements over beliefs, and the impact of social media on public discourse, advocating for cognitive diversity and understanding.
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Beliefism Defined
- Beliefism is judging someone's entire character based on a single belief.
- This oversimplification leads to polarization and missed opportunities for better understanding.
Humility About Changing Minds
- People rarely change their minds on important beliefs.
- Recognizing this fosters humility and openness to listen without expecting persuasion.
Design for Cognitive Diversity
- Design organizations to reduce beliefism by encouraging listening to dissent.
- Embed cognitive diversity as essential for solving complex societal problems.
