Attempts at Understanding Fallibilism

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Zelalem MekonnenOP revised 22 days ago·#2539

9th of 9 versions leading to #2553 (14 total)

Fallibilism is the idea that all of our knowledge contains errors, and that nothing is obviously true but depends on what one understands about reality. This means that we can't be certain about anything, because we don't have a criterion of truth. Knowledge grows by addressing problems in our knowledge. We solve problems by guessing solutions and testing them. This also means we should always be careful not to destroy or even slow down the things and ideas that correct errors and thereby create knowledge. Some of which are freedom, privacy, and free markets. We are also never the passive recipients of our knowledge; we are the creators.

This view is mainly influenced by Popper, and errors are my own.

Criticized1*

Dennis Hackethal, 27 days ago·#2374

Fallibilism is the idea that all of our knowledge contains errors…

This is a common mischaracterization of fallibilism. It’s actually a form of cynicism. See https://blog.dennishackethal.com/posts/don-t-take-fallibilism-too-far

In reality, fallibilism is the view that there is no criterion to say with certainty what’s true and what’s false; that, as a result, we inevitably make mistakes; and that some of our knowledge is mistaken at any given time. But not all of it.

Criticism of #2539

Zelalem MekonnenOP, revised by Dennis Hackethal 22 days ago·#2544

Only version leading to #2553 (3 total)

So there is no way to tell the truth of our knowledge. It may solve a problem, but that doesn't guarantee that it’s true.

Criticized1*

Dennis Hackethal, 22 days ago·#2546

You can still tell whether some knowledge is true. You just can’t tell infallibly, ie with absolute certainty. There is a difference between certainty and knowledge.

Criticism of #2544

Zelalem MekonnenOP revised 19 days ago·#2595

4th of 4 versions leading to #2553 (4 total)

If you're not certain which part of your knowledge is true, then there is no difference between what I said and what you said. Because you knew some part of your knowledge was true, but it turned out not to be after further inquiry.

Criticized2*

Dennis Hackethal, 22 days ago·#2553

Since you’re voicing a disagreement, this idea should presumably be marked as a criticism.

Criticism of #2595