Are you STO or STS?If you know what that means?

Question

i am actually so happy I am finding out how many closed minded beings are on this planet-watanka nici un

Answer 1

Thanks for the link, Kes.  I didn't know what these terms meant. It's the age-old dichotomy of altruism vs selfishness.  Dawkins does a very nice review of it, in the context of evolution.

Admittedly, I have only given this superficial consideration, but I see little correlation between the selfishness/altruism issue and open or closed mindedness.  All too often people consider uncritical belief as being somehow more intellectually democratic and open-minded than skepticism.  Assent of one idea implies dissent of its opposite, so those who say they believe in something are usually saying they reject something else.  For example, those who believe aliens are visiting our planet reject the idea that we have not been visited.  Those who believe in astrology reject the idea that it is superstitious nonsense.

You might find this odd, but my experience has been that those who believe in things uncritically and consider themselves so forward thinking and open-minded, are usually far more stubborn and closed-minded than skeptics.  The reason for this is that skeptics need a certain amount of evidence in order to believe in some claim. We would change our opinion in light of that evidence.  Uncritical "believers" are generally resolute and intractable in their opinions, denying or equivocating evidence which is overwhelmingly against them.  Creationists, moon hoax believers, UFO believers, and paranormal believers are excellent examples of these. In my opinion, they are generally the most dogmatically stubborn and terminally close-minded people I have ever met.  The fact that they cling religiously to their beliefs despite mountains of evidence against them is because they have never bothered learning the facts. They don't like facts.  They believe in things because of how it makes them feel.  What they WANT is more important to them than the way things really are.  If you see this kind of thinking as being selfish, then I guess I might agree.

Answer 2

Likely most people are free to be closd minded about any particular subject they choose, and there may be differences within their own family and circle of friends than without.  Are you actually happy because you are closed minded about all thoses closed minded people?  Be Brave!

Answer 3

One can make a case that there's no such thing as a "service to others" person.  Even when people dedicate their entire lives/existence to helping others, one could argue they're actually doing these things for themselves; benefits they receive for being benefactors.  Perhaps they do it because it makes them feel better about themselves, a sense of satisfaction, of feeling needed/useful, contributing to society, a sense of accomplishment, or trying to lessen feelings of guilt for having things better than others, etc...and all of those deal with how it makes the "giver" feel.  The fact that it helps someone else could just be an added bonus/side benefit....

I don't necessarily think this is correct, but it's difficult to argue against it.  Regardless, neither philosophy has anything to do whatsoever whether one is "open" or "closed" minded...  I'd suggest the person that asked this question, in the manner they asked it, doesn't really care at all to hear of people's responses, but wants to somehow feel superior to others by (1) using acronyms to try to make those unfamiliar with the terms feel stupid and (2) show they're "open minded" compared to others...others being those people that don't agree exactly with what the submitter thinks.....    

Answer 4

i used to think STO, but now leaning heavy on STS.. still the O comes out a lot, especially when i am doing things outside my cave.

Answer 5

  To each his own.

Answer 6

Apparently, I'm naturally STO.  But the person i'm trying to be is true neutral - in balance.  Moderation in everything, including moderation.

Your natural tendencies can be overcome.  Even if you're a jerk.

Insert obligitory space reference here.