Belief is Irrelevant

[Quintessence]

I believe I am constantly amazed at how high a standard a person sets for proof when they don't wish to believe something.

And how low a standard a person sets who *does* want to believe something.

In other words, what ultimately matters, is what you want to believe. Humans will rationalize one way or another, and argue with each other incessantly about it. Funny, amusing, and sad all at the same time.

 

[Polymath257]

In other words, what ultimately matters, is what you want to believe. Humans will rationalize one way or another, and argue with each other incessantly about it. Funny, amusing, and sad all at the same time.

Which is why having a variety of different biases as input *and* testing of all ideas is so important. Having agreed upon criteria for testing *ahead* of time eliminates much of the rationalization that 'wanting' produces.

 

[leibowde84]

I believe I am constantly amazed at how high a standard a person sets for proof when they don't wish to believe something.

Btw, I would love to believe in God. It would make living life a whole lot easier, less lonely, hopeful, etc. But, I can't choose to believe something I am not convinced of.

 

[Quintessence]

Which is why having a variety of different biases as input *and* testing of all ideas is so important.

Important for what? Everything? Some things? If so, which things? What about practical considerations?

I have to run to go do some grocery shopping. Do I need different inputs and testing with this process?

(I am kinda going somewhere with this, but it'll probably get lost between now and whenever I look at this thread again - suffice it to say, different methods and approaches are appropriate for different purposes or goals. Not everyone shares the same values or standards, and it seems to me we ultimately are rationalizing everything one way or another even if we tell ourselves we aren't).

Having agreed upon criteria for testing *ahead* of time eliminates much of the rationalization that 'wanting' produces.

I'm not convinced it's quite that simple. To ask a question, there must be a desire - a wanting - to know an answer.

 

[shunyadragon]

Belief is unfortunately an over whelming primarily motivated by the desire of a sense of community. This is unfortunate, because it well grounded logic and reason, and science is put on the chopping block.

 

[stevevw]

Someone posted as if this title is literally true

I suppose your pending post should define what belief is
and then declare it be important
or not

Belief is relevant whether there is a God or not. We are all born believers.