Checklist: Understanding Different Perspectives
Use this checklist to develop your ability to genuinely understand viewpoints different from your own.
Recognizing Factors That Shape Different Worldviews
Reflected on key experiences that have shaped my own worldview
Identified cultural values and traditions that influence my perspective
Considered how my socioeconomic circumstances affect my priorities
Analyzed my information ecosystem (news sources, social networks)
Recognized how my educational background shapes my understanding
Identified which moral foundations seem most important to me personally
Developing Genuine Empathy
Engaged with stories (books, films, podcasts) from perspectives different from mine
Practiced suspending judgment to understand before evaluating
Conducted empathetic conversations with people holding different views
Identified values and concerns that might underlie viewpoints I disagree with
Found potential starting points for connection despite differences
Practiced seeing the full person beyond a single viewpoint or opinion
Identifying Personal Biases and Blind Spots
Reflected on how confirmation bias might affect my understanding
Considered how in-group favoritism might influence my perspectives
Identified assumptions I hold about groups different from me
Recognized areas of privilege that might create blind spots
Noted topics or perspectives that trigger defensive reactions
Sought feedback from others about limitations in my understanding
Navigating Cultural and Ideological Differences
Assessed my knowledge of cultures different from my own
Practiced adapting my communication style across cultural differences
Identified underlying values across ideological divides
Practiced “translating” between different ideological languages
Found potential common ground despite different approaches
Developed patience for bridging deep divides over time
Building Bridges Through Perspective-Taking
Practiced articulating viewpoints I disagree with in their strongest form
Identified shared experiences that might build understanding
Designed opportunities for collaborative work across differences
Committed to ongoing learning about different perspectives
Developed strategies for recovering from misunderstandings
Considered how I might help build community across divides
Perspective-Taking Reflection
Noted what I found most challenging about understanding different perspectives
Identified which differences I find most difficult to bridge and why
Reflected on how deeper understanding has affected my own views
Considered how perspective-taking skills might help address community issues
Planned specific next steps to continue developing these abilities
Remember: Understanding different perspectives doesn’t mean abandoning your own values or agreeing with every viewpoint. It means developing the capacity to see the human experiences, reasoning, and concerns behind different perspectives—an essential skill for effective civic engagement.