Political Free Will?

Study links political orientation to how brain works

Exploring the neurobiology of politics, scientists have found that liberals tolerate ambiguity and conflict better than conservatives because of how their brains work. . . .

Previous psychological studies have found that conservatives tend to be more structured and persistent in their judgments, whereas liberals are more open to new experiences. The latest study found those traits are not confined to political situations but also influence everyday decisions. . . .

Pollock saw another benefit to the findings: If political attitudes are tied to neurophysiology, he said, “it would make bashing conservatives — or liberals — pointless. It’s not as if people are making a choice to see the world this way or that way. It’s how they’re built.”

Like many fellow liberals, I'm sure, this report makes me feel good. I'm proud of the fact that I understand the world as a complex place and I have a nuanced understanding of issues. And I'm always interested in new experiences. But where I see conservatives as having a simplistic worldview, I would guess they are just as proud of the fact that they are firm and steadfast in what they believe. So I doubt this study is much of a surprise to anyone.

I would argue the fact that these traits are hereditary or genetic, though. I would think they are learned very early in life from parents and primary influences. They may not feel like a choice, in that sense, because we are likely shaped before we have an awareness of it, but I also don't think it's necessarily predetermined or irreversible. People may have tendencies, but they can still choose to change who they are with enough desire and the right circumstances.