Preconceived notions can cloud judgment from "summary" of An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume
When we approach a new situation or idea, our minds are often already filled with preconceived notions and beliefs. These preconceptions can cloud our judgment and prevent us from seeing things clearly. We may be quick to dismiss new information that contradicts our existing beliefs, or we may interpret it in a way that fits with what we already think we know. This can lead to faulty reasoning and a skewed understanding of the world around us. In his work, Hume argues that our judgments are often influenced by habits and associations that we have formed over time. These habits can be difficult to break, even when faced with evidence that contradicts them. We have a tendency to rely on these preconceived notions as shortcuts for making sense of the world, rather than critically examining new information and forming our judgments based on evidence and reason. Hume suggests that in order to overcome this tendency, we must actively work to break free from our preconceptions and approach new ideas with an open mind. We must be willing to challenge our existing beliefs and be receptive to new information, even if it challenges what we think we know. By doing so, we can improve our ability to reason clearly and make sound judgments based on evidence and logic, rather than relying on preconceived notions that may cloud our understanding.
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