Naive Realism
Type: Cognitive Bias
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Definition
Believing we see reality objectively, while others are biased, irrational, or ignorant. “I’m right, they’re wrong, and they would agree if they saw clearly.”
Lee Ross’s research: We think our views are based on facts; others’ views are based on ideology, self-interest, or stupidity.
Why It Matters
Polarization: Both sides think the other is irrational. Can’t compromise with “crazy.” Conflict: “If they just understood the facts…” — they do, and disagree. Arrogance: Dismissing others’ perspectives without considering them. Failed communication: Explaining louder doesn’t work when disagreement isn’t about information.
The Three Tenets
- I see reality as it really is — Objective, unfiltered
- Others are biased — By self-interest, ideology, ignorance
- My views would be obvious to unbiased observers — Truth is self-evident
All three are wrong.
Examples
- Politics: “My side follows facts, their side follows emotion”
- Workplace: “I’m being reasonable, they’re being difficult”
- Relationships: “I see the situation clearly, they’re being irrational”
- Science: Even scientists dismiss contrary evidence as flawed
Fighting It
- Assume equal intelligence — They have reasons you don’t see
- Seek their strongest argument — Steel-man, not straw-man
- Consider your biases — You’re not objective either
- Ask: “What would change my mind?” — If nothing, you’re not objective
Related Biases
- [[Fundamental Attribution Error** — Their behavior = character, ours = situation
- [[Confirmation Bias** — Seeing what confirms our view
- [[Bias Blind Spot** — Seeing others’ biases, not our own
Audio
Podcast episode: Naive Realism
Part of the Cognitive Bias Reference