dogmatismrigid

Dogmatismrigid is a term used to describe a belief posture that fuses dogmatism with rigidity: a commitment to certain claims as indisputable and a persistence in applying those claims in all situations, regardless of new evidence or context. It emphasizes certainty over inquiry and elevates authority over dialogue.

Key traits include: unwavering certainty; selective reception of evidence; resistance to revision; automatic appeal to authority; inflexible application of rules; dismissal of dissent; preference for black-or-white interpretations.

It appears across religious, political, and organizational spheres, as well as some scientific communities when entrenched. It is criticized for hindering critical thinking, debate, and adaptation; linked to authoritarian tendencies, absolutism, and fundamentalism. In psychology, it is related to cognitive biases like confirmation bias and motivated reasoning.

Causes include cognitive dissonance avoidance, identity protection, and social group pressures. Countermeasures involve critical thinking training, epistemic humility, exposure to alternative viewpoints, structured peer review, and policies that reward evidence-based revision while maintaining accountability.

See also dogmatism, rigidity, authoritarianism, fundamentalism, confirmation bias.