8.0.1.3 Substance of the Conclusions

Version 1.2 August 2014                               Previous Version

Whether we accept the structure proposed herein, or a similar structure, or a totally different structure, we still need to work out what we actually believe and why.  This is a separate issue from any hierarchical or sequential structure used to present the beliefs.

We can debate whether the “higher level� conclusions follow from the lower level ones and the reasons and evidence presented on each topic.  This debate is about the content of the conclusions, what they really mean, rather than how they are phrased.

Uncertainty

We can debate the degree of certainty with which a reasonable person can hold a belief.  Some beliefs, such as those related to psychology and neuroscience, are quite likely to be modified as our understanding of science and history evolves.  We must try to take into account the “known unknowns� and the “unknown unknowns�, i.e. what we know we don’t know, as well as what we don't know we don't know. 

But we have to work with the knowledge and insights that we have right now.  We often have to take a particular conclusion as a valid working hypothesis and the basis for action, without being overconfident of its truth, but that uncertainty forms part of the conclusion itself.

Life is full of uncertainties.  But life goes on, and so do we.  We must act.