Indoctrination, Insulation, and Closed-Minded Belief: Easy as ABC

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2023-06-30

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Abstract

In this thesis I argue that indoctrination is closed-minded belief caused by epistemic insulation, where epistemic insulation is a belief that motivates closed-mindedness for any reason. I first consider and reject previous accounts of indoctrination which define it by intention, method, outcome, and content. I next consider Rinalli’s definition, which functions as the basis of my own definition, but claims that epistemic insulation motivates the pupil by appealing to their desire to be rational and moral. Finally, I present and defend my own account of indoctrination which differs from previous accounts by claiming that epistemic insulation can be motivated by reasons beyond a desire to be rational and moral.

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Keywords

indoctrination, epistemic insulation, closed-mindedness, epistemology, philosophy of education

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