Victor Ottati
Victor Ottati publishes book on political psychology with Oxford University Press
Ottati, Professor of Psychology, released an edited volume on the influence of open-mindedness and dogmatism on social and political thought
Victor Ottati, PhD, Professor in the Department of Psychology, has published a book, Divided: Open-Mindedness and Dogmatism in a Polarized World, the sixteenth volume in the Oxford University Press’ Series in Political Psychology.
The book evaluates open-mindedness and dogmatism and its effects on social and political thought. It explores such themes as:
- Conditions that promote open- and closed-minded thinking to help generate innovative solutions to reduce polarization and increase constructive social compromise in the future
- How open- and closed-mindedness may influence the way people respond to social and political conditions
- Demonstrates how a variety of contemporary scientific approaches to understanding open-mindedness within a social and political context by bringing together chapters by leaders in multiple academic fields
“Congratulations to Victor Ottati on the publication of this impressive book, which embodies the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of his scholarship and that of faculty throughout the College," said Peter J. Schraeder, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Ottati’s work and the findings of his edited volume provide valuable insights into our current political landscape and the actions that citizens can take to foster a more vibrant and healthier democracy.”
As a co-editor and contributor to the book, Ottati was drawn to analyze the antecedents and consequences of open-mindedness and dogmatism in response to the Templeton Foundation’s call for research on the topic of intellectual humility.
“Intellectual humility involves an awareness of one’s own intellectual limitations, an awareness of the fact that our beliefs and opinions are rarely based upon an exhaustive consideration of all the information that is potentially relevant to forming a particular belief or opinion,” explained Ottati.
Wherein lies the connection between intellectual humility and the trait of open-mindedness?
“This sort of awareness tends to engender an open-minded orientation to a given topic,” said Ottati. “After all, if we understand that we do not ‘know it all,’ it stands to reason that we will be open to new perspectives on a given issue.”
Ottati was further motivated to pursue his study of open-mindedness, dogmatism, and polarization due to both his fascination with the theory behind these psychological orientations and its practical importance for the health, vibrance, and success of our society.
“This book seeks to evaporate the distinction between ‘theoretical’ and ‘applied’ research by providing practical solutions to real-world problems leveraging a coherent, theoretical basis.”
The book’s interdisciplinary approach features over two dozen contributors and authors, each of whom are scholars from across psychology and political science.
“The influence of open-mindedness and dogmatism on our political and religious belief systems is clearly evident when one considers the psychological determinants.”
Expanding knowledge regarding open-mindedness and dogmatism has become increasingly relevant as our political and social environments continue to shift.
“As Shanto Iyengar points out in the second chapter of the volume, extreme political polarization has grown at an alarming rate, especially since the turn of the century,” explained Ottati.
“We must not live in denial about this. Some level of disagreement and polarization between groups is natural and may engender a healthy range of viewpoints to consider when we attempt to address social and political problems.”
However, an accelerated degree of political polarization and growing extremism can cause dysfunction and impair the resolution of differences that lead to a vibrant democratic life in which alternative solutions are explored.
“Extreme polarization can paralyze cooperation between political parties and groups that need to come together to develop realistic solutions to urgent problems facing the nation.”
Otatti’s volume seeks to not only contribute to a greater understanding of open-mindedness and dogmatism and illuminate the nature and causes of polarization, but to provide clues regarding how one might attempt to reduce pernicious forms of polarization.
Where does one begin to reduce this dysfunctional polarization? Through increasing intellectual humility, the same idea that attracted Ottati to this work in the first place.
“It is extremely difficult to alter or increase a person’s general level of intellectual humility,” admitted Ottati. “A more realistic approach may involve interventions geared toward increasing a person’s intellectual humility with regard to a specific topic or issue.”
This is where dialogue and social norms, such as reciprocity, become critical.
“If you are visibly open-minded toward another person’s viewpoint, they are more likely to reciprocate by being more open-minded toward your viewpoint – even if you stand on opposing sides of the issue.”
Additionally, Ottati argues, it is important for social and political groups to endorse and emphasize open-mindedness as a critical social norm.
“In the absence of such norms, individuals are more likely to succumb to dogmatic or closed-minded thinking, especially when considering viewpoints espoused by the ‘outgroup,’ and to exhibit an unhealthy form of over-confidence regarding their beliefs and opinions.”
Learn more about Ottati’s work and co-edited volume with the Oxford University Press.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest of Loyola University Chicago’s 15 schools, colleges, and institutes. More than 150 years since its founding, the College is home to 20 academic departments and 37 interdisciplinary programs and centers, more than 450 full-time faculty, and nearly 8,000 students. The 2,000+ classes that we offer each semester span an array of intellectual pursuits, ranging from the natural sciences and computational sciences to the humanities, the social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. Our students and faculty are engaged internationally at our campus in Rome, Italy, as well as at dozens of University-sponsored study abroad and research sites around the world. Home to the departments that anchor the University’s Core Curriculum, the College seeks to prepare all of Loyola’s students to think critically, to engage the world of the 21st century at ever deepening levels, and to become caring and compassionate individuals. Our faculty, staff, and students view service to others not just as one option among many, but as a constitutive dimension of their very being. In the truest sense of the Jesuit ideal, our graduates strive to be “individuals for others.”
Victor Ottati, PhD, Professor in the Department of Psychology, has published a book, Divided: Open-Mindedness and Dogmatism in a Polarized World, the sixteenth volume in the Oxford University Press’ Series in Political Psychology.
The book evaluates open-mindedness and dogmatism and its effects on social and political thought. It explores such themes as:
- Conditions that promote open- and closed-minded thinking to help generate innovative solutions to reduce polarization and increase constructive social compromise in the future
- How open- and closed-mindedness may influence the way people respond to social and political conditions
- Demonstrates how a variety of contemporary scientific approaches to understanding open-mindedness within a social and political context by bringing together chapters by leaders in multiple academic fields
“Congratulations to Victor Ottati on the publication of this impressive book, which embodies the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of his scholarship and that of faculty throughout the College," said Peter J. Schraeder, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Ottati’s work and the findings of his edited volume provide valuable insights into our current political landscape and the actions that citizens can take to foster a more vibrant and healthier democracy.”
As a co-editor and contributor to the book, Ottati was drawn to analyze the antecedents and consequences of open-mindedness and dogmatism in response to the Templeton Foundation’s call for research on the topic of intellectual humility.
“Intellectual humility involves an awareness of one’s own intellectual limitations, an awareness of the fact that our beliefs and opinions are rarely based upon an exhaustive consideration of all the information that is potentially relevant to forming a particular belief or opinion,” explained Ottati.
Wherein lies the connection between intellectual humility and the trait of open-mindedness?
“This sort of awareness tends to engender an open-minded orientation to a given topic,” said Ottati. “After all, if we understand that we do not ‘know it all,’ it stands to reason that we will be open to new perspectives on a given issue.”
Ottati was further motivated to pursue his study of open-mindedness, dogmatism, and polarization due to both his fascination with the theory behind these psychological orientations and its practical importance for the health, vibrance, and success of our society.
“This book seeks to evaporate the distinction between ‘theoretical’ and ‘applied’ research by providing practical solutions to real-world problems leveraging a coherent, theoretical basis.”
The book’s interdisciplinary approach features over two dozen contributors and authors, each of whom are scholars from across psychology and political science.
“The influence of open-mindedness and dogmatism on our political and religious belief systems is clearly evident when one considers the psychological determinants.”
Expanding knowledge regarding open-mindedness and dogmatism has become increasingly relevant as our political and social environments continue to shift.
“As Shanto Iyengar points out in the second chapter of the volume, extreme political polarization has grown at an alarming rate, especially since the turn of the century,” explained Ottati.
“We must not live in denial about this. Some level of disagreement and polarization between groups is natural and may engender a healthy range of viewpoints to consider when we attempt to address social and political problems.”
However, an accelerated degree of political polarization and growing extremism can cause dysfunction and impair the resolution of differences that lead to a vibrant democratic life in which alternative solutions are explored.
“Extreme polarization can paralyze cooperation between political parties and groups that need to come together to develop realistic solutions to urgent problems facing the nation.”
Otatti’s volume seeks to not only contribute to a greater understanding of open-mindedness and dogmatism and illuminate the nature and causes of polarization, but to provide clues regarding how one might attempt to reduce pernicious forms of polarization.
Where does one begin to reduce this dysfunctional polarization? Through increasing intellectual humility, the same idea that attracted Ottati to this work in the first place.
“It is extremely difficult to alter or increase a person’s general level of intellectual humility,” admitted Ottati. “A more realistic approach may involve interventions geared toward increasing a person’s intellectual humility with regard to a specific topic or issue.”
This is where dialogue and social norms, such as reciprocity, become critical.
“If you are visibly open-minded toward another person’s viewpoint, they are more likely to reciprocate by being more open-minded toward your viewpoint – even if you stand on opposing sides of the issue.”
Additionally, Ottati argues, it is important for social and political groups to endorse and emphasize open-mindedness as a critical social norm.
“In the absence of such norms, individuals are more likely to succumb to dogmatic or closed-minded thinking, especially when considering viewpoints espoused by the ‘outgroup,’ and to exhibit an unhealthy form of over-confidence regarding their beliefs and opinions.”
Learn more about Ottati’s work and co-edited volume with the Oxford University Press.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest of Loyola University Chicago’s 15 schools, colleges, and institutes. More than 150 years since its founding, the College is home to 20 academic departments and 37 interdisciplinary programs and centers, more than 450 full-time faculty, and nearly 8,000 students. The 2,000+ classes that we offer each semester span an array of intellectual pursuits, ranging from the natural sciences and computational sciences to the humanities, the social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. Our students and faculty are engaged internationally at our campus in Rome, Italy, as well as at dozens of University-sponsored study abroad and research sites around the world. Home to the departments that anchor the University’s Core Curriculum, the College seeks to prepare all of Loyola’s students to think critically, to engage the world of the 21st century at ever deepening levels, and to become caring and compassionate individuals. Our faculty, staff, and students view service to others not just as one option among many, but as a constitutive dimension of their very being. In the truest sense of the Jesuit ideal, our graduates strive to be “individuals for others.”