Article
Scepticism, Falsifiability and Intellectual Humility
Is it better to doubt or to act with determination?
I extend my respect to the moderates and the curious minds amongst us, those who relentlessly seek understanding, whether in the realm of human interactions or in the pursuit of unravelling nature's mysteries. I admire thinkers like Cicero and Erasmus, champions of moderation in an age of emotional beliefs. I would rather listen to a moderate person who tends to doubt than a fanatic. A fanatic seldom tries to understand more deeply; he believes.
However, we must also recognise the significance of those who hold strong beliefs and are determined to act on them. They can change their lives and the world for the better in this way. They wield the power to influence (positively) individuals and entire crowds.
An Argument for Doubt: Scepticism and Falsifiability
This part is a continuation of the post: How I became a child again. I describe there how I began to doubt some things during my university studies.
Challenging erroneous ideas through scepticism brings us closer to true knowledge than any other approach I have encountered thus far. That is why I hold these principles dear:
- No theory can be definitively confirmed; it can only be definitively disproven.
- Let us evaluate theories based on the possibilities they offer for refutation.
- Information is always understood within a context; it is an interpretation.
- Thinking is hampered by both unyielding conviction and belief and by the dogma of relativism.
- I doubt, but I do not relativize.
These principles are not my own invention. The first two are the core of Karl Popper's falsificationism: a theory earns its standing not by being confirmed, but by remaining open to refutation. This is a form of fallibilism, the view that no knowledge is ever final, which Popper set against both dogmatism and relativism in what he called critical rationalism.
An Argument for Determination: Conviction Without Dogmatism
However, an insatiable desire for deeper understanding can sometimes dampen the zeal for decisive action. It can erode motivation. I see it in some who studied with me and sometimes in myself.
In everyday life, conviction paired with determination is an invaluable asset. I do not pass judgement on either thing; there are times when reflection serves us well and other moments when unwavering determination is needed.
Today, when I have to choose those with whom I act, I choose determined ones.
I listen carefully to the moderate and reflective, but I act with those with whom we agree on a common goal and are determined to achieve it.
Summary
Common questions on this article's topic
Is it better to doubt or to act with determination?
What is Karl Popper's falsifiability principle?
Why can excessive doubt be harmful?
Why can excessive conviction be harmful?
What does it mean that information is always an interpretation?
How do you choose who to work with?
What is falsifiability?
What is scepticism?
Who was Karl Popper and what is critical rationalism?
What is fallibilism?
What is relativism, and how does it differ from doubt?
What is dogmatism?
If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, feel free to drop me a message at mail@richardgolian.com.
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