A new "festival of ideas" in Somerset is introducing experimental tests to determine whether participants’ attitudes shift after engaging with diverse perspectives. Organizers hope to quantify whether exposure to differing viewpoints—often reported anecdotally to broaden attendees’ worldviews—actually alters their beliefs in measurable ways. The event builds on the common observation that cultural gatherings can leave people feeling more open-minded upon reflection. Researchers will assess whether the experience translates into lasting changes in thinking for both speakers and audience members.
Attenders will be asked to take part in tests to see if they have become more open to views they do not agree withFestivalgoers sometimes report feeling they have a fresh perspective of the world when they make their weary way home after a stimulating cultural gathering.A new “festival of ideas” in Somerset is aiming to measure whether the beliefs and ideas of attenders and speakers really are changed by their event. Continue reading...
