Naive Realism

We believe we see reality objectively and assume that people who disagree are uninformed, irrational or biased.

Our own perceptions feel immediate and self-evident. We usually notice the reasons supporting our interpretation but cannot directly see the experiences and assumptions shaping someone else's perspective.

• Two witnesses interpret the same conversation differently, but each believes only the other person misunderstood it.
• Political opponents each believe the facts clearly support their own side.
• A manager interprets an employee's silence as disengagement, while the employee considers it respectful listening.

• Say what you observed before explaining what it means.
• Ask, 'What information might they have that I do not?'
• Describe the other position in terms its supporters would accept.
• Look for shared facts before debating interpretations.
• Treat disagreement as information.