DiscoverThe OverthinkersDoes Discussion Really Change Minds?
Does Discussion Really Change Minds?

Does Discussion Really Change Minds?

Update: 2025-08-04
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Our culture, and our entire political system, is based on the idea that discussion and debate can change hearts and minds. But is that a lie? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.




References and resources


 


Exposure to alternative viewpoints causes us to dig in our heels: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/04/actually-social-media-isn-t-an-echo-chamber/


 


Cognitive bias: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-baby-scientist/202406/changing-hearts-and-minds


 


Our mental map: https://www.turing.ac.uk/blog/facts-dont-change-minds-and-theres-data-prove-it


 


Persuade people through relationships: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/18/change-mind-evidence-arguing-social-relationships




Persuade people through better forms of debate: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/201811/proven-ways-change-someone-s-mind


 


https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-can-you-change-someone-s-mind-spoiler-facts-don-t-work-so-well-hugo-mercier



Websites



The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world

Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me

Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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Does Discussion Really Change Minds?

Does Discussion Really Change Minds?

Nathan Clarkson & Joseph Holmes