Thursday, August 13, 2015

Discernment

In the process of learning, as we seek knowledge, we will take in lot's of information (either true or false). The trick then in distinguishing between true and false information. Our life-long goal for our mind is this: to gain as many true beliefs as possible and rid yourself of as many false beliefs as possible. For this it may be helpful to understand philosophy, particularly inductive and deductive reasoning. (I hope to write about the two forms of reasoning in a future post.)


One of the best ways to tell an idea is true, is to compare that idea to it's antithesis or to opposing ideas. It's a process called cross-examining. It happens to be the same method we use in court. One side gives their argument, and then the other side gives their argument with rebuttals to their opponent.


We tend to be biased toward whatever side we hear first, which is what Proverbs 18:17 talks about. But as verse 13 and 17 (and good common sense) show us: we ought to listen to the other side!


Here are three steps for Cross-examining
  1. Once you are convinced of something, seek out the best arguments you can find on the other side.  (suspend your disbelief)
  2. If you change your mind, go back and seek out the best arguments for the original side again.
  3. Eventually you will read the opposing arguments and see all the errors.


The truth matches reality. Lies are simply fabricated, and they will eventually fall apart under examination and won’t make sense anymore.


Here are five tips that a teacher of mine gave me:

  1. Think logically and recognize illogical assertions.
  2. Be open minded without being empty headed.
  3. Be critical without being skeptical.
  4. The only thing worth your allegiance is that which is true.
  5. Don’t be passive, be active, seek out new (and old) information.

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