Open Mind - What is an 'open mind'?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of an "open mind," exploring its definition, implications, and the nuances of open-mindedness in relation to accepting various ideas and opinions. Participants examine the balance between openness to new ideas and the necessity of critical evaluation, with a focus on philosophical and conceptual aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that an open mind is characterized by curiosity and interest in various subjects, as long as they align with forum rules.
  • Another participant introduces two extremes of open-mindedness: the "aetherial open mind" (AOM), which accepts all thoughts without resistance, and the "completely gooey open mind" (CGOM), which indiscriminately incorporates all ideas.
  • A different viewpoint defines open-mindedness as the ability to consider opposing views while recognizing the potential for one's own error, emphasizing the importance of boundaries to avoid bias or illogical beliefs.
  • One participant argues that having an open mind involves accepting possibilities while also evaluating their probabilities, contrasting it with a lack of critical thinking.
  • Another participant echoes the sentiment about evaluating probability while referencing James Randi's metaphor about open-mindedness.
  • One participant posits that open-mindedness reflects self-confidence.
  • A final post notes that the original post does not meet the forum's posting criteria, indicating a potential issue with the discussion's framing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of open-mindedness, with no consensus reached on a singular definition or approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the balance between openness and critical evaluation.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions and interpretations of open-mindedness presented by participants may depend on personal beliefs and subjective experiences, leading to varying conclusions about its implications.

The Watcher
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Is it something which is able to accept pretty much any subject matter in relation to this message boards rules of conduct and intent?

Unlocked. Curious. Interested.
 
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There are two extremes of open mindedness. One extreme is the aetherial open mind. This is identified as the AOM. Every conceivable thought enters and exists without resistance or adherence. The second extreme, type II, is the completely gooey open mind (CGOM). Anything at all that passes within its radius will stick and be incorporated.

Which extrimal or medial did you have in mind?
 
some people define a 'open mind' as the " 'other person' as always accepting the other person's opinion and statement as a possible truth no matter how fantastic/personal/unrealistic the statement is...

but, there's always a line when is crosses over to bias, ludicrous, impossible, unrelated, illogical, etc.

"Open minded:
Open mindedness is when even if you think you are right, you know that you can be wrong and are always willing to listen to and hear an opposing or contradictory view. "

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Open minded


edit: and against the rules of the given forum or circumstance...
 
Last edited:
Having an open mind means being willing to accept possibility, but evaluating probability. It does not mean believing in everything. There is a difference between having an open mind and having a hole in your head from which your brain leaks out, as James Randi so eloquently put it.
 
Mkorr said:
Having an open mind means being willing to accept possibility, but evaluating probability. It does not mean believing in everything. There is a difference between having an open mind and having a hole in your head from which your brain leaks out, as James Randi so eloquently put it.

I think Sagan said it better.
 
I think having an open mind says a lot about your own self confidence.
 
The OP doesn't meet our criteria for posting in this forum.
 

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