Being fair-minded requires, at the minimum, exercising self-control, understanding, using empathy, having an open mind and being tolerant.
Self-control is needed so that you can screen out personal emotional biases and prejudices that may distort and unduly influence your understanding of an idea or opinion.
The use of empathy is also necessary. By trying to understand the point of view of others, which may be different from your own, you promote a more objective and less prejudicial interpretation of ideas and opinions.
Open-mindedness is needed because you need to be able to recognize and consider different facts and respect different points of view from people who may be different than you. You do not have to agree with an idea, but at least you can try to understand it.
Getting Personal
In the television presentation of the news, do you believe most journalists are fair-minded in the way they present the news? Why or why not?
“In case of dissension, never dare to judge till you’ve heard the other side.” (Euripides, ancient Greek tragedy play writer)
“Fair mindedness doesn’t require a lot of thought, it requires a lot of bravery.” (Toni Sorenson, best selling American author)
Interested in hearing more about fair-mindedness? Just click on this link:
**** Top of post image (Scale) from Pixabay.com
