0.4.1 Global Beliefs are Corrigible

Version 1.1 December 2016                                         Previous Version

None of the conclusions in these pages are dogmatic statements, to be believed “on faith� alone.

These conclusions are not arbitrary.  When there is uncertain or conflicting evidence then, if it is possible to do so, we must accept our ignorance and not jump to conclusions.  

Some people hold beliefs without knowing why they do so.  We don't advocate doing the same.

Our beliefs are all conclusions based on reason and the available evidence, or at the lowest level, reports of observations and inferences.

The core choices we make, that reflect our values, are based on these conclusions about the nature of reality, involving a minimal degree of faith.

As more evidence becomes available, as more observations are made, and as we gain more insight and understand the inferences and reasoning better, then our conclusions may change. 

That is, they are corrigible – they can be corrected.  We hold these beliefs tentatively.

These “global beliefs�:

●   are based on reason and the evidence, consistent with modern science;

●   are not dogma fixed for all time, like some religious creed;

●   are tentative, allowing for doubts, and will be revised as we learn more;

●   can help us make day to day decisions about how to live;

●   will guide our choices, and our choices reflect our values.

These beliefs should satisfy a reasonable sceptic who supports the scientific method.

On the other hand:

In many circumstances there is uncertain or conflicting evidence but some action must be taken. Often it is NOT possible to simply accept our ignorance and not make any conclusions. 

·       Many complex situations are faced by our political leaders, civic activists, senior managers in large corporations, and military leaders in conflict situations, where there is no clear solution. 

·       Every one of us confronts situations at times in our lives when a decision is required, but there is no clear solution.  To pursue the truth or give up?  To be or not to be?  To love or to hate?

On many occasions we must take action, on the assumption that some uncertain beliefs are true.  Later we may revise our assumptions and then prefer a different action.

We can still review past assumptions.

We can revisit our decisions if, at a later stage, we have more information or simply more time to think.  Despite our natural tendency to confirm the assumptions we made as we made our decisions, we are still able to change our minds about what was true at the time. 

·       Many sceptics are reluctant to acknowledge that we must hold tentative beliefs because we must act.  Their position is satisfied by understanding that such beliefs are corrigible.

·       Many religious people base their daily practice, moral decisions and community life on their religious beliefs, which pervade their whole understanding.  All of us are naturally reluctant to review and change our core beliefs.  But official religious dogma changes over time.  The same texts are interpreted in different ways by different sects.  And individuals change their understanding as they grow.  Even in religion, beliefs are corrigible.