Name: Can prejudice ever be a good thing?
Uploaded: 2014-07-03T15:00:05Z
Duration: 16 min 10 s
Description: We often think of bias and prejudice as rooted in ignorance. But as psychologist Paul Bloom seeks to show, prejudice is often natural, rational ... even moral. The key, says Bloom, is to understand how our own biases work -- so we can take control when they go wrong.

We often think of bias and prejudice as rooted in ignorance. But as psychologist Paul Bloom seeks to show, prejudice is often natural, rational ... even moral. The key, says Bloom, is to understand how our own biases work -- so we can take control when they go wrong.

Paul Bloom: Can prejudice ever be a good thing?

Can prejudice ever be a good thing?

Stereotypes, often based on rational generalizations from experience, can guide accurate judgments in social and non-social domains.

Understanding and harnessing the power of reason can help us combat irrational and harmful biases, leading to a better world.

Bias and prejudice can be rational and moral, shaping our survival and interactions; understanding them guides better societal norms.