Intellectual Humility: Theory from Coursera

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.

But what is intellectual humility, anyway? And why do people seem so drawn toward intellectual arrogance? Psychologists, philosophers, theologians, and educationalists are now suggesting some answers.

In this course we try to define intellectual humility and intellectual virtues in general, and ask how we know who is humble. 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 is a part of a series which explores the theory, the science and the applied issues surrounding intellectual humility (the latter two coming in June and November 2017). Completing all three courses will give you a broader understanding of this fascinating topic. Look for:

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

• Intellectual Humility: Practice - https://www.coursera.org/learn/intellectual-humility-practice

You can also follow us on twitter: @EdiPhilOnline and #IHMOOC

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting started

What is intellectual humility?

by Dr Ian Church and Dr Peter Samuelson

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops intellectual humility in learners, which is valuable for living in diverse communities and addressing social and political issues

Examines intellectual humility from philosophical, psychological, and theological perspectives, fostering a nuanced understanding

Provides practical guidance for developing intellectual humility in daily life, making the course's learning immediately applicable

Taught by respected academics with expertise in the field of intellectual humility, ensuring the credibility and rigor of the course content

Reviews summary

Intellectual humility: foundational theory

According to learners, this course offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the theory of intellectual humility. Students found the lectures delivered by experts to be consistently high-quality and engaging, providing a robust theoretical foundation. The included readings were seen as insightful and supplementary. While some noted its primarily theoretical nature and felt it serves mainly to set up subsequent courses, the overall reception is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating how it prompts self-reflection and provides essential context for the topic.

Best understood as part of a larger series.

"It's clear this course is meant as the introduction to the topic before the science and practice parts."

"Taking this first course feels necessary to fully appreciate the next two."

"This course provides essential context and is a good starting point for the series."

Focuses heavily on theory, less on practice.

"This course is definitely theory-heavy, as the title suggests. Don't expect immediate practical tips."

"While important, the focus was very much on defining and understanding the theory, which felt a bit abstract at times."

"I understand it's the first part, but I was hoping for slightly more connection to real-world application from this section."

"Good overview of the theory. It's quite abstract, but that's expected for a theory course."

Supplementary readings add value.

"The assigned readings were very interesting and supplemented the lecture material well."

"I enjoyed the selection of readings provided in this course; they added valuable depth."

"Some readings were more accessible than others, but overall they were insightful."

Lectures are engaging and high quality.

"The lecturers were all experts and explained complex ideas in an accessible way."

"I really enjoyed the lecture content and the way it was presented, consistently high quality."

"Excellent quality lectures from knowledgeable instructors who made the topic engaging."

"Brilliant course. The instructors are superb and the content is deeply important."

Builds a solid base for understanding IH.

"The course provides a very clear and concise overview of the theoretical concepts around intellectual humility."

"I feel I now have a solid understanding of what intellectual humility is after taking this course."

"This course provides a great theoretical foundation. It truly is 'Theory'."

"It laid the theoretical groundwork perfectly for the subsequent parts of the series."

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: Theory with these activities:

Review notes and readings from class

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This activity will help you refresh your memory on the key concepts covered in class.

Browse courses on Intellectual Humility

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Read over your notes from class.
Review the assigned readings.
Identify any areas where you need to improve your understanding.

Compile a collection of resources on intellectual humility

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This activity will help you gather a variety of resources on intellectual humility in one place.

Browse courses on Intellectual Humility

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Search for resources on intellectual humility online.
Save the resources to a folder on your computer or in a cloud storage service.
Organize the resources into categories.

Watch videos on intellectual humility

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This activity will help you gain a better understanding of intellectual humility and its importance.

Browse courses on Intellectual Humility

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Search for videos on intellectual humility on YouTube.
Watch a few videos and take notes on the key points.
Reflect on what you have learned and how it applies to your own life.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Discuss intellectual humility with a peer

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This activity will allow you to share your thoughts and ideas about intellectual humility with someone else.

Browse courses on Intellectual Humility

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Find a peer who is also interested in intellectual humility.
Set up a time to meet and discuss the topic.
Share your thoughts and ideas about intellectual humility.

Practice identifying intellectual humility

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This activity will help you develop the skill of identifying intellectual humility in yourself and others.

Browse courses on Intellectual Humility

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Read the article on intellectual humility.
Identify the key characteristics of intellectual humility.
Practice identifying intellectual humility in yourself and others.

Write a blog post on intellectual humility

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This activity will help you deepen your understanding of intellectual humility and its importance in the world.

Browse courses on Intellectual Humility

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Choose a topic related to intellectual humility.
Research the topic and gather information.
Write a blog post that shares your insights on the topic.

Read 'Humility: The Lost Virtue'

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This book provides an overview of humility and its importance in intellectual pursuits.

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Read the introduction and chapter 1.
Summarize the main arguments of the book.
Identify the key takeaways from the book.

Career center

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

Psychologist

Psychologists who are able to acknowledge and adjust for their intellectual limits will have an easier time maintaining ethical practice. By understanding the nuances of intellectual humility, such professionals may also broaden their approaches to better serve clients from a wide range of backgrounds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Political Scientist

Political Scientists with an understanding of intellectual humility can participate more effectively in policy development and implementation. By fostering a sense of open-mindedness and receptivity to diverse viewpoints, they are better positioned to create and refine policies that consider the complexities of political behavior and thought.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Teacher

Teachers who demonstrate intellectual humility are more effective in conveying information to students. They are able to accommodate diverse learning styles and perspectives. This course provides an understanding of intellectual humility and its importance in teaching, guiding Teachers to effectively create inclusive and engaging learning environments.

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Religious Leader

Religious Leaders who cultivate intellectual humility can encourage a more inclusive and tolerant religious environment. By promoting open and respectful dialogue, they can bridge divides and foster understanding among individuals with diverse beliefs. This course explores intellectual humility in a religious context and provides practical guidance for promoting it within religious communities.

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Lawyer

Lawyers who embrace intellectual humility are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal system. By acknowledging the limits of their knowledge and remaining open to alternative interpretations, they strengthen their ability to effectively represent clients and ensure just outcomes.

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Journalist

Journalists with intellectual humility can produce more balanced and nuanced reporting. They understand the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and being transparent about their own biases. This course provides a framework for understanding intellectual humility, helping Journalists to maintain objectivity and integrity in their work.

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Doctor

Doctors who practice intellectual humility provide better patient care. They recognize the limits of their knowledge and are more open to seeking consultation and collaboration. This course helps Doctors develop intellectual humility, enabling them to deliver more effective and patient-centered care.

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Therapist

Therapists who demonstrate intellectual humility create more effective therapeutic relationships. They are able to listen attentively to clients, understand their perspectives, and tailor interventions accordingly. This course provides a foundation in intellectual humility, helping Therapists to cultivate a growth mindset and enhance their ability to support clients.

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Consultant

Consultants who possess intellectual humility are more effective in providing valuable advice to clients. They are able to recognize their own limitations and collaborate effectively with others. This course helps Consultants develop intellectual humility, enabling them to build stronger relationships and deliver more insightful solutions.

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Social Worker

Social Workers who practice intellectual humility are more effective in helping clients navigate complex challenges. They are able to understand and respect clients' perspectives, even when they differ from their own. This course provides a framework for understanding intellectual humility, helping Social Workers to build stronger relationships and provide more effective support.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts who cultivate intellectual humility are more effective in developing and implementing sound policies. They are able to consider diverse perspectives and adjust their recommendations accordingly. This course explores the role of intellectual humility in policy analysis, providing Policy Analysts with tools to enhance their decision-making.

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Researcher

Researchers who embrace intellectual humility are more likely to produce rigorous and unbiased research findings. They are willing to challenge their assumptions and seek out alternative explanations. This course provides a framework for understanding intellectual humility, helping Researchers to maintain objectivity and integrity in their work.

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Project Manager

Project Managers who practice intellectual humility are more effective in leading and managing projects. They are able to recognize their own limitations and delegate tasks accordingly. This course provides a foundation in intellectual humility, helping Project Managers to build stronger teams and deliver successful projects.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts who possess intellectual humility are more effective in understanding and solving business problems. They are able to recognize the limits of their knowledge and collaborate effectively with others. This course may help Business Analysts develop intellectual humility, enabling them to provide more valuable insights and recommendations.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers who practice intellectual humility are more effective in communicating complex information clearly and concisely. They are able to recognize their own limitations and seek out subject-matter experts for guidance. This course may help Technical Writers develop intellectual humility, enabling them to produce higher-quality documentation.

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