Intellectual servility, structural influences, and multicultural perspectives: a response to Ballantyne

Abstract

In this paper, we briefly respond to several points Ballantyne raises in ‘Recent Work on Intellectual Humility’ (this issue). First, we contend with the suggestion that IH is ‘hypoegoic’ which risks overlooking problematic vices of excesses, such as intellectual servility. Second, we add additional points to the discussion about whether IH is interpersonal, or simply correlated with interpersonal outcomes. Third, we suggest considering structural influences on the development of IH alongside Ballantyne’s three intrapersonal influences. Though individuals with privileged identities may be at greater risk for developing intellectual arrogance, individuals holding marginalized identities may experience structural pressures to over-own their limitations, causing them to develop the vice of intellectual servility. Finally, we highlight the importance of addressing multicultural perspectives on IH, including the risk for intellectual servility among marginalized groups and reconsidering whether IH is purely intrapersonal. We also propose measurement strategies aimed at addressing these concerns.