Questioning Consensus

Do we decide what we think or what we do based on the strength of the evidence for that position? Or, do we default to what the wider group thinks?

Sometimes it’s easier to just fit in, defaulting to what the “leaders” or the wider tribe have to say, instead of looking at the evidence and making an informed, independent decision.

Some ideas are accepted because they truly are the best way of understanding or doing something. Other times, however, the consensus may stem from different motivations. The “leaders” may choose to accept a position because of fear of losing market share or status; a group may decide to hold a position because it’s less volatile to maintain the status quo than to make the necessary changes that would ensue.

And since it can be difficult to know the motivation behind what others propose, it’s a good idea to at least consider the evidence when making a decision.