The Reasons for a (Sometimes) Change of Mind

Abstract

Often we experience a “change of mind” on some issue for which, at the time it was made, we are certain of its correctness. The central question we investigate in this presentation is: What valid reasons can be made for a “change of mind”? For example, scientific progress is made because older theories are replaced by better theories with the major reason being new evaluations and analyses of data and methodologies. We examine and discuss a broad range of issues for which a “change of mind” provides useful insights on the relevant topics. Examples include the interpretation and appreciation of modern art, selecting a queue when multi-possibilities exist, the Monty-Hall problem, and forgiveness for past deeds. Our primary tool for this study is the application of the concept of the “Rashomon effect”

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