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The Winding Path had a very insightful article on the problem of determining whether a belief is true or not. The “red pill, blue pill” scene from the Matrix is used to underline the idea: Do you choose knowledge or ignorance? How do you really know which one is which?
The Problem.
The problem is that there is no way to be absolutely objective. Even if we were to build a machine designed to be as objective as possible, it could not be truly objective because it would have human assumptions built in.
Since we cannot be truly objective, what remains is to make the most of subjectivity. In order to explore your beliefs to determine how true or factual they are (truth and fact are different matters, but each are important), I suggest you keep working on working with and refining your beliefs. My favorite fiction writer, Robert Heinlein has this to say along those lines:
To stay young requires unceasing cultivation of the ability to unlearn old falsehoods.
As you keep working with your beliefs and you learn more and more, you will face greater uncertainty about the world, simply because your awareness has expanded. The saying “The more you learn the less you know” rings very true.
In light of the above, it may be tempting to not even try at all, and stay in the comfort of our own little worlds. That is an option, and it can be attractive. However, it will not take you anywhere interesting, to say nothing of taking you where you want to go.
Why it shouldn’t concern you
A lot of people think that established scientific theory is the be-all and end-all of fact. The amusing fact is: It’s theory. Every day people are pushing the boundaries of established theory to try to clarify our picture of the universe.
Take string theory for example: There are two models of physics: Quantum mechanics (for dealing with very small spaces and objects) and general relativity (for dealing with very large spaces and objects). Both are very well established, and have made correct predictions. The problem is that they don’t get along well with each other.
Enter string theory. A theory which fits the observable facts and reconciles the theory of large and small. One small problem with this theory: At present it’s unprovable. Recently there has been an experiment which failed to disprove string theory, but that’s not the same as proving it.
My point here is, if we go back to the Matrix for a second, you have to keep taking the red pill. If you want to get down to the bottom of things, you have to keep digging. Will you ever get there in this lifetime? Not for me to say, but for me the journey alone is worth it.
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