D038

Intellectual Openness

BD03 Decision, Judgment & Epistemics
Derived LayerMML-1

Version v1.2.4

Definition

A genuine willingness to consider ideas that contradict one’s worldview and test them fairly, without immediate dismissal.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Reflexive rejection of dissonant ideas; treats disagreement as moral or personal defect.

High Pole

Actively explores competing views; can represent opposing arguments accurately before evaluating.

Reference

Open in “safe” topics, closed in ideology, identity, or status-relevant areas.

Measure

Coverage: breadth of opposing views seriously engaged.
• Fidelity: accuracy of representing opposing arguments (“steelman” quality).

Measuring Methods

Argument-reconstruction tasks; reading/engagement diversity analysis; peer evaluation of fairness in debates.

Empirical Anchor

Intellectual openness / openness to experience — ideas facet (Costa & McCrae, 1992); actively open-minded thinking (Baron, 1993).

Notes

Distinct from agreeableness: openness can be paired with firm conclusions after testing.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Intellectual Openness (HES Passport D038, v1.2.4). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/D038

BibTeX

@misc{hes_D038, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Intellectual Openness}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport D038, v1.2.4}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/D038}} }