LibraryScenariosHow to address intellectual dishonesty in discussion groups
Scenario

How to address intellectual dishonesty in discussion groups

Three of us started meeting monthly to discuss philosophy books, but we've all noticed we only pick books that confirm what we already think, and when someone brings up a genuinely challenging idea, we change the subject or make jokes. We're smart enough to see what we're doing but not brave enough to call it out.

Hypatia
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The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

A group designed for genuine inquiry has unconsciously become a venue for intellectual comfort rather than challenge.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

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