[[Thomas Metzinger]] Carl Jung #### [[Andre Breton]] ![[Andre Breton#^c513f9]] #### Art and Visual Perception: A Psychology of the Creative Eye ![[Art and Visual Perception#^a7e59c]] Yes, considering the ideas of flat ontology, relational absolutism, and Nick Chater’s The Mind is Flat, most human behaviour can indeed be understood as a form of improvisation. This perspective shifts our understanding of psychology and sociology in profound ways, reframing the human experience as fundamentally adaptive, relational, and emergent. ## Human Action as Improvisation Improvisation implies that human actions are not deeply premeditated or rooted in immutable truths but are instead dynamic responses to immediate contexts and relationships. ##### 1. Nick Chater’s View: Chater argues that the human mind does not operate with “deep” structures or plans but instead constructs narratives and solutions on the fly. This means that much of what we perceive as deliberate or principled action is post hoc rationalisation of ad-hoc choices. ##### 2. Flat Ontology’s Contribution: In a flat ontology, humans are not central, preeminent actors but are enmeshed in networks with non-human agents (e.g., technologies, environments). Improvisation becomes a mode of navigating these constantly shifting interactions. ##### 3. Relational Absolutism’s Paradox: Even “absolute” moral or political principles are contingent on context. Adhering to them, then, is itself an act of improvisation—an effort to maintain coherence amidst uncertainty. #### Ramifications for Psychology ##### 1. From Depth to Surface: If human behaviour is improvisational, much of traditional psychology’s focus on uncovering “deep” drives or motivations (e.g., Freudian unconscious, archetypes) becomes less relevant. Instead: • Focus on Context: Psychologists might prioritise studying how people respond to specific situations and relationships rather than searching for underlying traits or universal patterns. • Narrative Construction: Greater emphasis could be placed on how individuals construct and reconstruct their identities and decisions in real time. • Therapeutic Flexibility: Therapy could focus more on helping individuals adapt to fluid, unpredictable environments rather than uncovering “root causes” of behaviour. ##### 2. Creativity as a Core Trait: Improvisation reveals that creativity is not a specialised skill but a fundamental aspect of human cognition. Psychological models may increasingly explore how humans generate novel solutions to navigate their lives. ##### 3. Uncertainty and Well-Being: Recognising life as improvisation may increase anxiety for some individuals. Psychologists might explore methods to help people accept uncertainty and fluidity as inherent to the human experience. Ramifications for Sociology 1. Dynamic Social Systems: • Societies can be viewed less as rigid structures and more as fluid networks of improvised interactions among people, institutions, technologies, and environments. • Sociological theories might focus on the processes through which social norms, institutions, and ideologies emerge and evolve in response to shifting contexts. 2. Relational Identities: • Instead of seeing identity as fixed or rooted in pre-established categories (e.g., class, ethnicity), sociologists might study how identities are improvised in relational settings, responding to immediate social, technological, and environmental influences. • This aligns with Margaret Wetherell’s focus on the interplay between emotions and collective identities. 3. Policy as Improvisation: • Policymaking might be reframed as a continuous, adaptive process rather than the implementation of fixed principles. Policies would be seen as tools for responding to emergent challenges rather than solutions grounded in ideological absolutes. Key Challenges of Improvisational Thinking 1. Relativism vs. Pragmatism: Improvisation underscores the fluidity of human action, which risks fostering a sense of moral or philosophical relativism. However, as Relational Absolutism suggests, even contingent actions need guiding principles to maintain coherence and order. 2. Unpredictability of Systems: A focus on improvisation highlights the unpredictable nature of human behaviour and social systems, complicating long-term planning and control. Sociology and psychology must grapple with this inherent uncertainty. Conclusion Viewing most human behaviour as improvisation challenges traditional models of psychology and sociology, encouraging a shift toward situational, relational, and adaptive understandings of human action. This perspective reframes individuals as creative navigators of fluid, uncertain worlds, while societies are seen as dynamic systems shaped by contingent interactions. While this raises challenges, it also opens up new ways of understanding human resilience and adaptability in complex, ever-changing environments. ### Dismantling Authoritarian views Dismantling closed or authoritarian-leaning views in a conservative individual requires a nuanced, psychologically informed approach. Rather than directly confronting or challenging their beliefs—which often results in defensiveness—this process should focus on fostering empathy, encouraging cognitive flexibility, and gradually exposing them to new perspectives in non-threatening ways. Here are the best strategies, grounded in psychological principles and research: ##### 1. Build Rapport and Trust First • Why It Works: Authoritarian and closed-worldview individuals often have a heightened sensitivity to perceived threats. Building trust creates a safe environment, reducing defensiveness and increasing openness to dialogue. • How to Apply: • Avoid judgment or ridicule. • Show respect for their core concerns, such as safety, tradition, or loyalty, while gently questioning the rigidity of their approaches. • Focus on shared values to establish common ground. ##### 2. Appeal to Universal Needs • Why It Works: NVC principles suggest that all behaviours are motivated by universal needs. By focusing on these needs (e.g., security, belonging, fairness), you can reframe their concerns in ways that align with more inclusive or progressive ideas. • How to Apply: • If they express fear of immigration, reframe it as a concern for community cohesion and discuss how integration policies or mutual cultural respect can create stronger communities. • Use language that emphasises stability and shared goals, which may resonate more than direct critiques. ##### 3. Use Stories and Personal Examples • Why It Works: Stories bypass ideological defences and allow individuals to empathise with others. Personal narratives can provoke emotional responses that open people to re-evaluating rigid views. • How to Apply: • Share stories of individuals who overcame challenges through inclusivity or collaboration. • Highlight examples of diverse groups or individuals contributing positively to society, focusing on outcomes that align with conservative values like responsibility, community, or patriotism. ##### 4. Gradual Exposure to Complexity • Why It Works: Research shows that people with closed-worldviews often prefer simplicity and clear-cut solutions. Gradual exposure to nuanced ideas helps them build tolerance for ambiguity without overwhelming them. • How to Apply: • Introduce complex topics in digestible steps, avoiding all-or-nothing framing. • For instance, if they resist climate change policies, start by discussing local environmental efforts that create jobs, showing that conservation can align with economic goals. ##### 5. Challenge the Perception of Threat • Why It Works: Authoritarian-leaning individuals often perceive the world as dangerous, which drives rigid beliefs and fear-based policies. Reducing this perception can soften their stance. • How to Apply: • Provide evidence or examples that challenge the perceived dangers (e.g., showing that crime rates have decreased over time or highlighting successful multicultural communities). • Emphasise the strength and resilience of the systems they value, reducing their fear of societal collapse. ##### 6. Encourage Empathy Through Direct Contact • Why It Works: Research shows that personal interactions with diverse groups reduce prejudice and increase openness. When people see others as individuals rather than abstractions, it reduces fear and fosters empathy. • How to Apply: • Facilitate opportunities for them to engage directly with people they may hold prejudices against (e.g., immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals). • Encourage dialogue where they can hear personal stories and see shared humanity. ##### 7. Promote Cognitive Dissonance Gently • Why It Works: [[Cognitive Dissonance]] occurs when someone’s beliefs and experiences conflict. Introducing contradictions gradually can create discomfort that motivates change. • How to Apply: • Ask open-ended questions that prompt them to reflect on inconsistencies in their worldview. For instance: • “If we value hard work and personal responsibility, shouldn’t we also support fair opportunities for everyone to succeed?” • Avoid aggressive confrontation; let them arrive at the contradictions themselves. ##### 8. Highlight Shared Benefits of Alternative Views • Why It Works: People are more willing to consider new ideas if they see how these ideas benefit them or align with their core values. • How to Apply: • Frame progressive policies as fulfilling conservative values. For instance: • Universal healthcare ensures national strength and community wellbeing. • Environmental conservation preserves resources for future generations, aligning with stewardship principles. ##### 9. Reduce the Fear of Change • Why It Works: Conservatives often fear change because it threatens stability. Reframing change as an evolution of tradition rather than a rejection of it can reduce resistance. • How to Apply: • Show how new ideas build on existing values. For example: “Inclusive policies strengthen the family and community by ensuring everyone can thrive.” • Emphasise gradual, stable transitions rather than abrupt shifts. ##### 10. Lead by Example • Why It Works: Demonstrating inclusive and collaborative behaviour can model the benefits of openness and flexibility, inspiring change through action rather than argument. • How to Apply: • Show empathy, respect, and willingness to engage constructively, even in disagreement. • Highlight successful examples of diverse, inclusive communities thriving in ways that reflect conservative values like hard work or [[Teams|community]] pride. ###### Challenges to Keep in Mind • Confirmation Bias: People tend to seek information that reinforces their existing beliefs. Be patient and persistent, as change often happens gradually. • Emotional Triggers: Avoid activating emotional defences by attacking their identity or values. Focus on curiosity and understanding instead. • Social Influence: Broader social networks may reinforce conservative views. Strengthening alternative sources of influence (e.g., friendships with diverse individuals) can help shift perspectives. ###### Conclusion To dismantle authoritarian-leaning views in conservatives, it’s essential to avoid direct confrontation and instead focus on fostering empathy, reducing fear, and gently introducing alternative perspectives. By appealing to universal human needs and values, encouraging personal connections, and creating space for gradual change, conservatives can become more open to diverse ideas without feeling their core identity is under threat. This method respects their humanity while encouraging critical thinking and growth.