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Daniel Stone, PhD | Behavioral Economist

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Daniel Stone, PhD | Behavioral Economist

In America today, people often assume the worst of those who hold opposing political views. We know that when *other* people feel this way, they are being irrational — they’re experiencing what behavioral economist Dan Stone calls “undue hate.” But we rarely acknowledge this behavior in ourselves. So, how can a subjective interpersonal feeling be objectively wrong? And why do we tend to make this mistake — to dislike those we disagree with more than we should? Stone explains the cognitive biases contributing to these negative misperceptions of other’s character traits. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this. However, by understanding and addressing our biases, and being open to new ideas and information, Stone believes we can start to bridge the gap between different groups and have more productive conversations. The health of our democracy may well depend on it.

Take Action:
1) Embrace intellectual humility. Perhaps by checking out this course, or related online courses, or this website.
2) Make a media trade (or trades) with someone you disagree with on an issue: send them a piece you suggest in exchange for reading or watching a piece they suggest. Agree to share brief constructive feedback.
3) Check out the Disagree Better project and support it if you can.
4) Call or email a family member or friend (or ex-friend?) with different political views. Don’t talk about politics, but ask how they’re doing. Be a good ambassador for your side.

Daniel Stone, PhD

Dan Stone is Associate Professor and chair of the Economics department at Bowdoin College and author of Undue Hate (MIT Press, 2023). He is also an advisor to anti-polarization organizations, such as Starts With Us, Braver Angels, and More Like Us. Stone has taught microeconomics and behavioral economics at Bowdoin and Oregon State since 2008, and his research is on polarization, biases in beliefs, media, sports, and socially responsible capitalism. He has also served with Americorps, worked for the consulting company Novantas, and coached youth baseball, basketball, and soccer. Originally from Charlottesville, VA, Stone lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his spouse and two children.

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