Freedom of Expression
Viewpoint Diversity
Intellectual Humility
Critical Thinking
What is Intellectual Humility?
"It is only through the opposition of ideas that we can learn to be self-critical, to work towards intellectual humility."
Tariq Ramadan
Intellectual humility is the ability to admit that one might be mistaken.
It helps to combat arrogance and overconfidence. Intellectual humility allows us to recognize that our ideas may be wrong, that the evidence we are using could be inaccurate, or that our current beliefs could be outdated.
Intellectual humility contributes to greater civility in public and private discourse, because when we are humble, we tend not to have an attitude of “my way or the highway.” Intellectual humility makes us less likely to simply dismiss others’ views or be offended by views different from our own.
RESOURCES
The latest research and studies on Intellectual Humility
Psychologists and philosophers are working to tease apart the ways we respond to new ideas and information — and the possible benefits of intellectual humility.
Vox: "The Importance of Knowing You Might Be Wrong"
Why it’s so hard to see our own ignorance, and what to do about it.
US Courts: Ground Rules for Civil Discourse
Use these ground rules and the examples written by other students to develop your own norms of civil discourse.
National Institute for Civil Discourse: Listening with Empathy and Humility
Our newest video, Listening with Empathy & Humility features host, Katie Couric and a diverse group of Americans sharing their own experiences with how to Engage Differences constructively.