How to Change Your Mind

Elise Woodard (King's College London)

Abstract: If realists are more likely to become anti-realists than vice versa, is  that evidence that anti-realism is true? I argue that the answer is yes.  When more people move from view A to B than B to A, this is defeasible  evidence that B is more likely correct than A. This idea, which I refer  to as “Migration as Evidence,” suggests that widespread changes in  belief could be meaningful indicators of truth. This approach has two  main benefits. First, it provides an additional tool for forming  opinions on complex and controversial issues in areas like philosophy,  politics, and religion, where even experts often disagree. Secondly, it  encourages a culture where changing one's mind is more openly shared and  less socially penalized, fostering an environment where the pursuit of  truth is prioritized over consistency.