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Reasonably Polarized

Why politics is more rational than you think.

Friends
Why Do Arguments Persuade?

Kevin Dorst, Ph.D. on October 31, 2020

It's easier to recognize good arguments than bad ones—as a result, discussion amongst like-minded groups leads to polarization.

It's easier to recognize good arguments than bad ones—as a result, discussion amongst like-minded groups leads to polarization.

Bias
Confirmation Bias Is Rational

Kevin Dorst, Ph.D. on October 17, 2020

Why do partisans see the same evidence and react differently? Because that's the best way for them to get to the truth of the matter.

Why do partisans see the same evidence and react differently? Because that's the best way for them to get to the truth of the matter.

Confidence
Must Polarization Be Irrational?

Kevin Dorst, Ph.D. on September 26, 2020

A theoretical result suggests that polarization must be due to irrational causes. But there's a catch.

A theoretical result suggests that polarization must be due to irrational causes. But there's a catch.

Politics
Why Has Polarization Skyrocketed?

Kevin Dorst, Ph.D. on September 20, 2020

Though the United States has always been polarized, in recent decades polarization has increased dramatically. Why?

Though the United States has always been polarized, in recent decades polarization has increased dramatically. Why?

Politics
What Is Polarization?

Kevin Dorst, Ph.D. on September 18, 2020

There are three distinct senses in which the United States has become increasingly "polarized."

There are three distinct senses in which the United States has become increasingly "polarized."

Confidence
How to Polarize Rational People

Kevin Dorst, Ph.D. on September 12, 2020

Polarization is pervasive, but it usually happens for rational reasons. Here's a demonstration.

Polarization is pervasive, but it usually happens for rational reasons. Here's a demonstration.

Politics
Reasonably Polarized

Kevin Dorst, Ph.D. on September 5, 2020

We can't blame political polarization on irrationality. Instead, we must see it as due to rational causes. Here's how we can.

We can't blame political polarization on irrationality. Instead, we must see it as due to rational causes. Here's how we can.