A 2018 study conducted by the Political Science Department at the University of the Philippines demonstrated how hasty generalizations cause polarization in political discourse. People latch onto these broad, oversimplified claims because they provide a convenient narrative that requires little effort to understand.
The danger, however, is that this kind of thinking shuts down more nuanced discussions. When we say, âAll politicians are corrupt,â we shut down any chance for real change and accept lifelong cynicism.
It is interesting to note that well-researched cognitive biases account for these propensities toward hasty generalization. Psychologists have long understood that people tend to make snap decisions based on scant information, especially if that information confirms something they already believe.
People would naturally gravitate toward generalizations, especially in a place where political dynasties, corruption scandals, and unequal resource distribution are commonplace occurrences. They bring certainty in uncertain times and simplify a complex world. But as our elders would remind us, discovering deeper truths involves introspection and discernment. Although making snap decisions might feel good, they frequently need to catch up.
Within this framework, the media is extremely important. Even when a news report about a tragic incident only makes up a small portion of the whole picture, it can influence public opinion nationwide. Think about the heightened media coverage surrounding extrajudicial killings. Even though there are certainly terrible cases of abuse, some political pundits have used these few incidents to suggest that all police officers are violent and corrupt. Even though there are systemic problems, focusing on a small number of high-profile cases and excluding other issues hinders us from addressing the specific problems that require reform. It is simpler to declare that âall cops are badâ than to support deliberate, focused policy changes.
Hasty generalizations can be dangerous outside of the media and political spheres. It can also penetrate the field of education. Our teachers frequently deal with this problem, particularly in rural areas with limited resources. Legislators and school administrators often assume that the entire teaching staff is incompetent when a small percentage of a barangay’s students perform poorly on standardized tests.
Policymakers might conclude that âteachers arenât doing their jobsâ instead of looking at possible root causes, including inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, or socioeconomic issues. Thisresults in an atmosphere whereby teachers feel unfairly blamed and discouraged, which makes it more difficult for sensible, evidence-based solutions to be embraced.
In the end, hasty conclusions are a shortcut to grasping complexity. In a society as complicated as ours, avoiding basing political, educational, and daily living decisions on scant knowledge based on hasty judgments is imperative.
We should be more aware of the institutions we disparage and ourselves. Voters, teachers, and citizens are invited to stop, think, and ask ourselves, âDo I have enough evidence to make this judgment, or am I falling into the trap of hasty generalizing?â
Not only is one aim to avoid logical fallacies, but the true goal is to promote a culture of more understanding. When we take the time to weigh all the options, look beyond our limited experiences, and gather additional information, we make ourselves available for deeper, more meaningful discussions. And that is what will advance us as a country more than any generalization or hasty judgment.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./PN
