English Intellectual Traits

Question 1

Intellectual Humility

Answer 1

Knowledge of what you do know and a recognition of what you don’t.

Question 2

Intellectual Courage

Answer 2

Willingness to express your views even when they are unpopular.

Question 3

Intellectual Empathy

Answer 3

Awareness of the need to actively entertain/consider views that differ from our own. To accurately reconstruct the viewpoints of those we disagree with, and to reason from premises/beliefs/assumptions other than our own.

Question 4

Intellectual Integrity

Answer 4

Holding yourself to the same intellectual standards you expect others to hold—no double standards!

Question 5

Intellectual Perseverance

Answer 5

The willingness to work your way through intellectual complexities despite the frustration inherent in the task. It takes time!!!

Question 6

Confidence in Reason

Answer 6

The belief that one’s own higher/best interests and those of humankind in general are best served by giving free play to reason and accepting valid evidence.

Question 7

Intellectual Autonomy

Answer 7

Thinking for oneself while adhering to/following the standards of reason. Reasoning through issues using one’s own thinking rather than uncritically accepting the viewpoints of others.

Question 8

Intellectual Charity

Answer 8

Approaching any discussion or information in a spirit of good faith, believing that all parties should be willing to follow the standards of reason when analyzing issues, ideas, beliefs, values, etc.