Columnist: Taking a strong position on an issue makes one likely to misinterpret or ignore additional evidence that conflicts with one' s stand. But in order to understand an issue fully, it is essential to consider such evidence impartially. Thus, it is best not to take a strong position on an issue unless one has already considered all important evidence conflicting with that position.
The principle 'Anyone who does not understand an issue fully should avoid taking a strong position on it' most closely conforms to the columnist's reasoning.