The Dissenter

#1227 Steven Sloman - The Cost of Conviction: How Our Deepest Values Lead Us Astray

Mar 13, 2026
Guest
Steven Sloman
Steven Sloman, a Brown University cognitive scientist and author of The Cost of Conviction, explores how sacred values differ from consequentialist reasoning. He breaks down when people think in absolute, binary terms versus weighing trade-offs. The conversation covers causal reasoning, why simplified sacred-value messaging empowers extremists, subconscious drivers of outrage, and possibilities for reframing entrenched beliefs.
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INSIGHT

Absolute Values Fuel Conflict And Intransigence

  • Treating values as absolute makes trade-offs impossible and increases intransigence and conflict.
  • Sloman gives land disputes as an example where sacred framing prevents compromise and can lead to violence.
ADVICE

Force Yourself To List Costs And Benefits

  • When you face decisions, attempt consequentialist analysis by listing costs, benefits, and uncertainties.
  • Sloman notes this is hard and often simplified, but necessary to avoid the blind absolutes of sacred-value choices.
INSIGHT

Politics Is Where Sacred Values Dominate

  • Sacred values mostly govern political and social decisions that affect others, while mundane choices are often consequentialist.
  • Sloman contrasts choosing toothpaste or crossing the street (consequences) with political actions governed by sacred values.
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