Will High IQ Guard You Against Dogmatism and Narrow-Mindedness?
No, because you just have to observe the biased perceptions of supposedly very intelligent people to realize how narrow-minded many of them are, especially supposedly intelligent politicians. This observation makes the question all the more intriguing. Let's return to the original question: 'Will a high IQ protect you from dogmatism and narrow-mindedness?' Based on my experience and observation, I would say 'not necessarily.'
Disclaimer
Before we delve into the details, I feel compelled to mention that I am not a professional or an academic. This is simply my opinion based on empirical observation.
Understanding the Concept
The question, when taken in its literal sense, asks if the concept of IQ itself can protect one from dogmatism and narrow-mindedness. However, I will make the assumption that you are inquiring whether a high IQ can inherently protect someone from dogmatism and narrow-mindedness. The answer remains negative.
Reality Checks and Human Nature
While it is true that people with a high IQ have a greater capacity for analytical thinking and can objectively analyze beliefs while accounting for various factors, reality often does not align with this ideal. In the real world (IRL), beliefs often take root not because of rational analysis, but due to other powerful human drives and circumstances.
Happiness and Social Inclination
Humans are inherently social animals, known as zoon politikon or 'political animals,' as Aristotle once stated. From an evolutionary perspective, the need to work together as a harmonious collective to achieve a common goal was crucial for our survival. This requirement has been ingrained into our collective consciousness, and it is essential for our happiness that we interact with others and belong to a group. Even highly intelligent individuals can find themselves in situations where they seek solace in a group, leading them to embrace certain dogmas and beliefs not due to rational thought, but because of the desire to fit in and be part of a community.
Upbringing and Cultural Influence
Our environment plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs and behaviors. While the nature versus nurture debate is ongoing, it is widely accepted that the environment in which we are raised has a substantial impact on our personality and identity. Children often emulate their parents and adopt their habits, including beliefs and cultural practices, which they may pass on to their own children. These cultural practices may be deeply ingrained and provide a greater sense of belonging, even if they are not grounded in logical reasoning. High IQ individuals may choose to reject these practices, but others may seek to legitimize them through pseudo-logical arguments. Another approach is to separate the cultural practices from their original religious or philosophical contexts, as the utilitarian philosophers did when applying Judeo-Christian moral principles to a world without God, as Friedrich Nietzsche critiqued in The Twilight of the Idols.
The Role of Perception and Reality
Ultimately, it matters little about one's IQ when it comes to human perception of the world. We can never truly know the nature of the noumena that make up the world around us. Our understanding is inherently flawed, and the journey towards wisdom begins with acknowledging this fact.
By examining these factors, we can better understand why even highly intelligent individuals might fall prey to dogmatism and narrow-mindedness. The realization that our perceptions are flawed is a fundamental step towards cultivating a more open-minded and rational approach to life.