Search for truth, or rationalization for beliefs?

[dyanaprajna2011]

Many people here at RF are on a search for truth. But what does this mean, exactly? We seek to know reality as it is. This isn't an easy task, and takes work and thought to gain any ground.

But how many people here, or anywhere, claim to search for truth, when all they really do is seek rationalization for their beliefs, no matter how much evidence stands against it?

Sometimes debates here just go around in circles, with nothing ever being gained. Instead of searching for truth, some people are too deeply involved with their beliefs to be able to admit when they are wrong, and keep on the path for truth.

Some people don't even know what truth really means to be able to look for it. Even when reality speaks for itself about what is true, some people can't seem to let go of opposing ideas. In my mind, this is the reason why belief itself can be, and oftentimes is, a very dangerous thing. Belief versus knowledge, truth versus lie, fact versus fiction. Do we seek to learn what is truth, or do we seek only validation for belief?

 

[Quintessence]

If you're defining a search for "truth" in the parameters of the OP - as knowing reality for what it "really is" - I find such pursuits to be a complete waste of time. I do not waste my time on pursuits that are impossible. There is no knowing reality for what it "really is." Ever. It's an impossibility for humans. Finite, non-omnisicient, non-omnipresent creatures like humans only ever draw maps of the territory. We only ever draw a map, and claiming to know "The Truth" is something I perceive as either human hubris, ego, or ignorance.

I search for truths. As in, plural. I seek to collect and understand many maps of the territory. Because why limit to knowing only one? That's so boring! Sure, I'll have my favorite map I use to navigate most of my life just as everyone does, but I like having a collection. It's not about being "right" and being "wrong," and I imagine people who insist that there is a "right" and "wrong" are immensely frustrated by gray-area people like myself who only see maps of territories and do not make claims about "The Truth." Too bad, I say.

 

[Willamena]

If you're defining a search for "truth" in the parameters of the OP - as knowing reality for what it "really is" - I find such pursuits to be a complete waste of time. I do not waste my time on pursuits that are impossible. There is no knowing reality for what it "really is." Ever.

You're the anti-Buddha!

 

[Gjallarhorn]

If you're defining a search for "truth" in the parameters of the OP - as knowing reality for what it "really is" - I find such pursuits to be a complete waste of time. I do not waste my time on pursuits that are impossible. There is no knowing reality for what it "really is." Ever. It's an impossibility for humans. Finite, non-omnisicient, non-omnipresent creatures like humans only ever draw maps of the territory. We only ever draw a map, and claiming to know "The Truth" is something I perceive as either human hubris, ego, or ignorance.

The think the problem is thinking truth can be known. Even in Buddhism truth is mostly only experienced without discernment, otherwise it becomes just another mental formation.

 

[Willamena]

Even when reality speaks for itself about what is true, some people can't seem to let go of opposing ideas.

How do you distinguish between reality that speaks for itself and belief that seeks rationalization?

 

[George-ananda]

Honest objective analysis and open-mindedness is almost impossible; but what we have to strive for. After a point most people have attachment to a viewpoint even if it's agnosticism . They don't like others telling them their whole worldview is wrong as that's where they get their mental grounding.

There are few paradigm shifting moments for people. As for the rest of the time; it's just about how to argue ideas and events fit their current paradigm.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

Honest objective analysis and open-mindedness is almost impossible; but what we have to strive for. After a point most people have attachment to a viewpoint even if it's agnosticism . They don't like others telling them their whole worldview is wrong as that's where they get their mental grounding.

There are few paradigm shifting moments for people. As for the rest of the time; it's just about how to argue ideas and events fit their current paradigm.

The very concept of paradigms is anti-truth.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Do we seek to learn what is truth, or do we seek only validation for belief?

As with any other human behavior or endeavor, there are people who fall on each end, and people who fall on every gradient in between. Additionally, the ultimate capacity for seeking and determining veracity depends on a number of factors including: personality, intelligence, experience, education/knowledge, self-awareness, and honesty. Not everyone is equally capable regardless of their motivation or drive.

 

[Erebus]

I gave up on searching for truth quite some time ago. It seems like a futile and somewhat arrogant endeavour for humans to claim they have some fundamental aspect of existence figured out. Kind of like an amoeba coming to some interesting conclusions about the nature of the world from within a petri dish.
Instead I focus on what is useful to me and let others explore whichever aspect of life suits them. Incidentally this approach has made me highly skeptical of anybody claiming to have discovered "the truth".

 

[LuisDantas]

Seeking truth is a worthy (albeit frustrating) goal.

In practice, it may end up being confused with a feeling of certainty or security, though.

It is certainly demonstrable that human beings have a strong, almost incontrollable ability to reassure their convictions regardless of any reasons to doubt them.

But then again, security is a basic human need, so I suppose we just aren't really built to deal with truths, and should attempt to do so at our own risk.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Kilgore Trout said "the ultimate capacity for seeking and determining veracity depends on a number of factors including: personality, intelligence, experience, education, knowledge, self-awareness, and honesty." I agree with him. The truth is very easy to get (for some, qualifications given above) and it does not take life-times. It can be achieved in minutes. What is necessary is to junk presumptions. I was able to find the truth quite easily.