Intellectual Humility: Practice from Coursera

We live in a polarised world where all too often people talk past each other. But do you know when to believe what others say? For example, how quick should we be to accept something that someone else tells us is true, and what should we be looking out for when assessing a person's trustworthiness? Meanwhile, what should we do when we encounter disagreements with people who seem to be our equals? How and when should we adjust our beliefs, and how does the appropriate response vary depending on the evidence? These challenges may be especially important in the arena of religious disagreements. How should we weigh the evidence for and against various theistic and atheistic stances?

Experts in psychology, philosophy, theology and education are conducting exciting new research on these questions, and the results have important, real-world applications. Faced with difficult questions people often tend to dismiss and marginalize dissent. Political and moral disagreements can be incredibly polarizing, and sometimes even dangerous. And whether it’s Christian fundamentalism, Islamic extremism, or militant atheism, religious dialogue remains tinted by arrogance, dogma, and ignorance. The world needs more people who are sensitive to reasons both for and against their beliefs, and are willing to consider the possibility that their political, religious and moral beliefs might be mistaken. The world needs more intellectual humility.

In this course. we will examine the following major questions about applied issues surrounding intellectual humility:

• Should you believe what people say?

• How should we handle disagreement?

• What is the role of evidence in resolving religious disagreements?

All lectures are delivered by leading specialists, and the course is organised around a number of interesting readings and practical assignments which will help you address issues related to humility in your daily life.

This course can be taken as a part of a series which explores the theory, the science and the applied issues surrounding intellectual humility. Before, we considered how to define and measure intellectual humility, what intellectual virtue is, whether we are born or can become humble, and what cognition and emotions can tell us about intellectual humility. If you are interested, complete all three courses to gain a broader understanding of this fascinating topic. Look for:

• Intellectual Humility: Theory - https://www.coursera.org/learn/intellectual-humility-theory

• Intellectual Humility: Science - https://www.coursera.org/learn/intellectual-humility-science

Check out our trailer to hear more - https://youtu.be/x_CWjrYxKZU.

What's inside

Syllabus

GETTING STARTED

SHOULD YOU BELIEVE WHAT PEOPLE SAY?

Professor Peter Graham points out that a great deal of what we know, we know because other people told us. But can we always believe them? Should we be trusting, or sceptical? The truth lies somewhere in the middle. This lecture will offer you some guidelines on how to find it, and on how to avoid the pitfalls created by our fears, biases, and over-confidence.

HOW SHOULD WE HANDLE DISAGREEMENT?

Resolving disagreements may seem easy when one person clearly knows more about the topic of disagreement than the other. But what about cases where both parties are equally knowledgable and capable - in other words, when they are intellectual equals? Professor Catherine Elgin discusses various strategies we can adopt, and helps us understand how people who have the same evidence and reasoning ability can still disagree.

RESOLVING RELIGIOUS DISAGEEMENTS: THE ROLE OF EVIDENCE

Dr Katherine Dormandy explains why religious disagreements are so often particularly hard to resolve. Distinguishing between two types of evidence one can have in religious discussions - public and private - she evaluates three Evidence Weighting Policies we can use in determining how to approach others when talking about religion.

END OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the role of evidence in resolving religious disagreements, which is highly relevant to real-world issues and discussions

Provides guidance on how to assess trustworthiness and handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is useful for personal and professional interactions

Develops critical thinking skills and intellectual humility, which are core skills for navigating an increasingly polarized world

Taught by leading specialists in psychology, philosophy, theology, and education, who are recognized for their work in intellectual humility

Requires prerequisite knowledge of intellectual humility, which may be a barrier for some learners

May not provide sufficient practical applications for learners seeking immediate implementation in their daily lives

Reviews summary

Intellectual humility: practical applications

Learners overwhelmingly agree this course on Intellectual Humility: Practice is informative and a stimulating application of theory learned in other courses in the series. Students say this course, excellently structured with engaging assignments, helps them recognize bias, navigate difficult conversations, and improve communication skills. While a few learners found some portions of the material less useful, the consensus is that this is a valuable course for anyone seeking to develop intellectual humility -- especially in the current global environment.

Students learn to recognize and manage biases -- their own and those of others.

"I have always wondered if I am myself a victim of implicit and confirmation biases."

"The portion of the course dedicated to "resolving" religions differences was a complete waste of time, as it simply does not take into consideration the personal nature of Faith, which cannot be seen,"

"As far as I am concerned, while there may be no way to "resolve" a religious disagreement, we can all learn Tolerance and Acceptance."

In a world of loud voices, learners develop skills for navigating difficult conversations with increased clarity and mutual respect.

"This course (and the series) should be taken by everyone to help temper down discord and build understanding and consensus."

"I found this course to be stimulating and exceptionally germaine to the current world of political and human relations."

"It helps you become a more receptive conversationalist and a rational and humble debater."

Learners emerge from this enlightening course with practical skills they can use in everyday conversations.

"This course is succinct and offers enough for all kinds of learners to gain personal insight and knowledge."

"I have become Humble. At least, I think I have."

"I found this course to be stimulating and exceptionally germaine to the current world of political and human relations."

While most found the course well-organized, some learners noted issues with abrupt transitions and a lack of closure.

"A good summation of theory and science in practical application of intellectual humility."

"Following theory and science, this course sheds light on the practical aspects of the intellectual humility, which is a relatively new area. Excellent initiative."

"I thought the course ended rather abruptly."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intellectual Humility: Practice with these activities:

Explore Tools for Assessing Intellectual Humility

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Enhance your understanding of how intellectual humility is measured and evaluated.

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Review research articles and scholarly papers on intellectual humility assessment.
Familiarize yourself with online tools and resources for measuring intellectual humility.
Consider the strengths and limitations of different assessment methods.

Evaluate Claims and Arguments for Bias and Logical Fallacies

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Develop critical thinking skills and strengthen your ability to assess the reliability of information.

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Identify common biases and logical fallacies.
Practice analyzing statements and arguments for their validity.
Apply these skills to real-world examples, such as news articles or debates.

Join a Study Group on Intellectual Humility

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Engage in discussions and collaborative learning with peers, deepening your understanding of intellectual humility.

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Find or start a study group with individuals interested in intellectual humility.
Discuss course materials, share perspectives, and engage in critical thinking.
Work together on assignments or projects related to intellectual humility.

Three other activities

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Develop a Personal Credo on Intellectual Humility

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Articulate your own understanding and commitment to intellectual humility, reinforcing the concepts explored in the course.

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Reflect on the principles and virtues of intellectual humility.
Draft a statement that outlines your beliefs and commitments regarding intellectual humility.
Share your credo with others for feedback and discussion.

Design a Research Project on Intellectual Humility

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Apply your understanding of intellectual humility to a specific research question, deepening your knowledge and skills.

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Identify a research question related to intellectual humility.
Develop a research design and methodology.
Collect and analyze data to answer your research question.
Write a research report or article summarizing your findings.
Present your research at a conference or symposium.

Contribute to an Open-Source Project on Intellectual Humility

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Engage with the broader intellectual humility community by contributing to open-source resources.

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Identify an open-source project related to intellectual humility.
Review the project's documentation and contribute code or other resources.
Collaborate with other contributors to enhance the project.
Share your contributions with the intellectual humility community.

Career center

Learners who complete Intellectual Humility: Practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of reality, knowledge, and human existence. This course may be helpful to philosophers who want to deepen their understanding of intellectual humility and its role in philosophical inquiry. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, which is a key skill for philosophers who want to develop sound philosophical theories. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for philosophers who want to engage in productive philosophical dialogue.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies to answer questions and develop new knowledge, and typically work for universities, government agencies, or businesses. This course may be helpful to researchers who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for research practice. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in research design and analysis. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for researchers who want to engage in productive dialogue with colleagues and reviewers.

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Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God and religious beliefs. This course may be helpful to theologians who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for religious dialogue. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, which is a key skill for theologians who want to engage in rigorous theological debate. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for theologians who want to collaborate effectively with colleagues and engage in productive interfaith dialogue.

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Educator

Educators help students learn and grow, and typically work in schools, colleges, or universities. This course may be helpful to educators who want to cultivate intellectual humility in their students. For example, the course discusses how to create a classroom environment that is conducive to critical thinking and respectful dialogue. Additionally, the course explores how to teach students how to evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals.

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Program Evaluator

Program evaluators assess the effectiveness of programs and services, and typically work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. This course may be helpful to program evaluators who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for program evaluation. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in evaluation findings. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for program evaluators who want to engage in productive dialogue with stakeholders.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and typically work for government agencies or think tanks. This course may be helpful to policy analysts who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for policy analysis. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in policy recommendations. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for policy analysts who want to engage in productive dialogue with colleagues and stakeholders.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the human mind and behavior, and typically work in research, teaching, or clinical practice. This course may be helpful to psychologists who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for research and practice. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, which is a key skill for psychologists who want to conduct rigorous research. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for psychologists who want to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.

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Religious Leader

Religious leaders provide spiritual guidance and support to their communities, and typically work for churches, mosques, or synagogues. This course may be helpful to religious leaders who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for religious practice. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in religious teachings. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for religious leaders who want to engage in productive dialogue with members of their congregation and other faith leaders.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. This course may be helpful to lawyers who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for legal practice. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in legal decision-making. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for lawyers who want to engage in productive dialogue with colleagues and opposing counsel.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with personal and social problems, and typically work in schools, hospitals, or community organizations. This course may be helpful to social workers who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for social work practice. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in case management. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for social workers who want to engage in productive dialogue with clients and colleagues.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work to improve the lives of people in their communities, and typically work for nonprofit organizations or government agencies. This course may be helpful to community organizers who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for community organizing. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in community planning. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for community organizers who want to engage in productive dialogue with community members and stakeholders.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events, and typically work for newspapers, magazines, or websites. This course may be helpful to journalists who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for journalistic practice. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and sources, and how to avoid bias in reporting. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for journalists who want to engage in productive dialogue with sources and colleagues.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers lead organizations that provide services to the public, and typically work for charities, foundations, or advocacy groups. This course may be helpful to nonprofit managers who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for nonprofit management. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in decision-making. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for nonprofit managers who want to engage in productive dialogue with staff, board members, and donors.

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Politician

Politicians make decisions that affect the public, and typically work for government agencies or elected offices. This course may be helpful to politicians who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for political discourse. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in policy-making. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for politicians who want to engage in productive dialogue with constituents and colleagues.

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Business Leader

Business leaders manage organizations and make decisions that affect employees, customers, and shareholders. This course may be helpful to business leaders who want to enhance their understanding of intellectual humility and its implications for business practice. For example, the course discusses how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to avoid bias in decision-making. Additionally, the course explores how to handle disagreements with intellectual equals, which is important for business leaders who want to engage in productive dialogue with colleagues and stakeholders.

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