ii. Bias

It can be argued that it is impossible to exist without bias of some sort. To be fair, the argument is correct in the fact that there will always be knowledge that we have not obtained, whether it is due to a lack of desire, or simply a lack of time. But to say that bias will exist even when an individual has the knowledge, as well as the experience, to make a logical decision is blatantly false. This is not saying the decision will have a positive or negative outcome, but rather, it will be decided upon rationally.

To understand my argument as to why this statement is false, the definition of bias should be provided, as well as the definition of logic. Bias, by definition, means ‘a preference of inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment.’ Whereas logic is defined as ‘a system of reasoning’, and as was said earlier, reasoning is when the process of analysis and rational thought is applied to concepts.

By applying these definitions to my argument, it then becomes: ‘But to say that a preference, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment, will exist even when an individual has the knowledge, as well as the experience, to make a reasoned decision is blatantly false.’

After inserting the true meanings of the key words into the argument, it becomes easier to understand my point, that the counter argument is, in itself, counter intuitive, solely due to the fact that it does not account for the true meaning of logic.

 Now, let’s delve into how bias is formed when creating an opinion or argument. Perhaps the best way to portray the creation of bias is by means of an analogy:

Johnny strives for the best understanding of cooking and the culinary arts that he can. He has multiple mentors that he frequently questions and seeks knowledge from, but they are all of the same fundamental culinary background. After ten years of relentless practice and determination, he becomes a chef using the same techniques taught to him by his mentors. Later on, after Johnny is an established chef he enters a competition where he is challenged to create the best tasting meal that he can conjure.

He sets to work planning ahead for all of the necessary materials that he will need to prepare his meal. After hours of hard work, planning and cooking, he produces his masterpiece. This meal is like nothing that he has ever created before; all the aspects are present such as taste, texture, smell, etc. As he submits his creation to the judges he waits with full certainty that he will win the competition. To his great confusion and disappointment his meal is not chosen to win the competition, but rather the meal produced from a world renowned chef who studied the culinary arts in multiple parts of the world, obtaining the most information possible and applying it to his creation.

This example serves multiple purposes.

1. The creation of something with bias does not necessarily mean that it is, in and of itself, bad or false. 
2. The analogy supports the idea that facts are not understood in isolation, but that they are fitted into a personal understanding when not compared with something else.
3. The limitations experienced through bias, not only distort, but inhibit the open mindedness of an individual.

Now that the creation of bias and its limitations are clearly understood, the solution should be provided. To eliminate bias, the basic human nature of doubt should not be confined. The desire for knowledge should never be satisfied. The counter intuitive idea of settling, due to comfort or safety, should be eliminated. And the system of discussion should never cease. For it is with all of these things that we grow to meet our full potential as individuals.

Charles Curtis sums up the idea of bias when he says: “Bias and prejudice are attitudes to be kept in hand, not attitudes to be avoided.”