The Truth is an obligation
Logic and empathy: a False dichotomy
Address the Source strives to combine logic and reasoning with empathy and equity. We want to understand the truth and objective laws of the universe and use that knowledge for the common good of society rather than for selfish, corrupt, or harmful aims.
To better understand if our beliefs are grounded in reality, we must educate ourselves on the many ways that we can be wrong, including the understanding of epistemology.
Epistemology can be defined as: “the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.”
It is not our fault that we are forced to engage in systems of oppression against our will, have responsibilities we cannot ignore, and burdens no one should have to endure as sentient beings. But we do have a responsibility to learn and practice the truth. An astounding number of people feel that it is perfectly acceptable to keep believing things that are objectively not true. Not only that, but when confronted with reasoning or evidence that directly contradicts their worldview they continue to hold to that belief because it makes them feel good and they say no one can “force” them to change their mind. This can be due to their ignorance, their simply being misinformed, or having values, beliefs, or personality traits that make it hard for them to accept new information. But none of these explanations for their behavior justify their beliefs. Those beliefs and commitment to being wrong have real-world consequences and cause harm to themselves and others. There is a difference between having the right to your beliefs, and whether those beliefs are true or if they will affect others.
“People are entitled to believe what they like, but only in a vacuum.”
We have the right to what we believe but that does not make those beliefs true. In addition, if we do not use a falsifiable approach to give them credibility then these beliefs are mere feelings, not the truth. Feelings are valid and can inform our reality. But the problem is that everyone has their own feelings and if people have opposing feelings then there is no way to settle whose feelings are true and valid regardless of individual perspective. In addition, if those false beliefs or feelings have real life consequences on other people, require others to come to a consensus with their beliefs, or if those beliefs will infringe on the rights of others, then…
“people are only entitled
to their informed opinion.”
An introduction to logic
In order to be able to justify our beliefs using logic and reasoning, we must have an understanding of the basic terminology and definitions.
Common Errors and Logical Fallacies
Many people and organizations have ideas about how we ought to live. This is a noble pursuit, and we ought to try to discover the truth and make the world a better place. The issue with this, however, is that many people have inconsistent or even non-existent standards for what is true. People are convinced by biases, group think, traditions and long-standing practices not based in evidence, and many other ideas that are untrue. If we wish to do the work to utilize logic as a vehicle to enhance empathy and equity in the world we must be aware of common errors in logic or logical fallacies that will render our arguments false. If you have been convinced by these types of irrational standards you are not alone. But values ought to be consistent, logical, and equitable no matter whom they apply to, else we risk double standards or upholding beliefs without evidence, which are inherently harmful.
