Topics Rationality

Question I am often unable to decide upon an opinion, as I know that my knowledge of the subject is incomplete. For example, I am unsure of whether the (as it currently seems to me) few insights that psychology can add to our knowledge of the human mind and human behavior that cannot be found out using reason and individual observations is worth spending my and others’ time and resources on. Another example is my unwillingness to pick a side in the debate about free will, as I know that there are arguments I am not aware of. This inability to decide upon an opinion among many chooses, as I know there might be valid counter-arguments to my view that I do not know of, heavily impacts my life. The psychology example illustrates these consequences well: as I cannot decide on whether psychology is worth studying or not, I feel insecure about taking the big step to starting studying psychology, as it might be the wrong thing to do. My doubting of the very foundations of many opinions, and as in the example of free will, obstructs me from moving on to further conclusions, as I am always stuck at the first step. My question is therefore: how can I decide between several opinions that each has compelling arguments when I choose which opinion I should advocate and/or support, such as when voting for or against an economic reform or similarly? Thank you for your help

Accepted:
April 25, 2014

Comments

Dear Friend - I say your willingness to say 'I don't know' in the face of complex problems is to be applauded. The "patron saint" of all philosophers, Socrates, is most famous for admitting his ignorance and using it as a starting point for investigation.

More recently contemporary philosopher Harry Frankfurt released two wonderful little books, called On Bullshit and On Truth. There he observes that too many of us are willing to make stuff up, demonstrating an indifference to the truth (we are B.S.ing, in other words), instead of just admitting to our ignorance. So it is worth taking a moment to compliment you on your refusal to B.S. your way through important problems.

But this does lead us to the second problem, that you therefore aren't sure how to make decisions about what is worth doing or worth believing. My suggestion is to put your ideas to the test by using critical thinking methods: First, rule out options that seem totally wrong or off the mark. Then, choose between what remains by selecting the least-bad idea as your 'working belief.' Finally, really see for yourself if this 'working belief' truly is worth holding by talking to people about it, trying to press yourself on exceptions or counter examples to it - in other words, remembering that your belief needs to be continually reexamined in order to really stand up. This process might be analogous to deciding on clothes for the day. First, I eliminate the clothes that are dirty or torn or stained. Then, I look at the remaining options and try to pick the one that looks not-so-awful on me. Finally, I am always willing to change my clothes if I notice (or someone points out to me) that there is a better, more suitable outfit.

I don't have a bumper sticker on my car. But if I did, it would be this gem from Epictetus, the Roman slave who became a great Stoic teacher: "If you want to be a philosopher, make yourself appear so to yourself and you will be capable of it." Good luck!