Task
Is a warranted predisposition a bias?
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Conclusion: No.
Reasoning:
Definitions:
- Predisposition: A tendency to act in a certain way.
- Bias: A predisposition that results in unfairness, distortion, or systematic error.
- Warranted: Justified with good reasons or evidence.
Bias is typically a warrantless or unjustified predisposition—something that distorts thinking, judgment, or decision-making.
If a predisposition is based on solid evidence, reasoning, or experience, it’s better described as a justified belief.
A justified belief is valuable. Example: A doctor is predisposed to test for malaria in patients returning from sub-Saharan Africa because malaria is common there. This isn’t a bias—it’s a justified belief.
Summary: A warranted predisposition is not a bias. Bias implies error or unfairness. A justified predisposition is generally a strength—an efficient guide to action based on evidence.