PoetPhilosopher
Veteran Member
Many people ask for proof or evidence when they encounter a claim that challenges their beliefs or assumptions. They think that by seeing the proof, they will be able to evaluate the claim rationally. However, proof is rarely the issue, in my opinion. The real issue is usually trying to find someone who can connect their worldview to the proof, and maybe even explain how it's practical to believe the proof.
What do I mean by worldview? A worldview is a set of beliefs, values, and assumptions that shape how we perceive and interpret reality. It is influenced by various factors. A worldview is not necessarily true or false, but it can be more or less coherent, consistent, and comprehensive compared to other worldviews.
Why does worldview matter? Because it affects how we process information, especially new or unfamiliar information. We tend to filter out or ignore information that contradicts our worldview, and accept or confirm information that supports our worldview. This is called confirmation bias, and it can lead to rejecting valid proof or evidence simply because it doesn't fit our worldview.
How can we overcome this bias? One way is to find someone who can bridge the gap between our worldview and the proof or evidence. This person should be able to understand both sides of the issue, and communicate effectively, clearly and respectfully. They should be able to explain how the proof or evidence relates to our worldview, and how it can enhance or expand our understanding of reality. They should also be able to show us how it's practical or beneficial to believe the proof or evidence, and what benefits and consequences it has for our lives.
Of course, finding such a person is not usually easy. They may not always exist in a given group or discussion thread, or they may not be accessible in general. They may also have their own biases or agendas that influence their presentation of the proof or evidence. So, a better way should be not to rely solely on them, but also try to develop our own critical thinking skills and open-mindedness, and be our own relater of information who if necessary, can bridge the gap between our existing worldview, and the evidence/proof, should it be deemed appropriate upon evaluating the information and sides of the coin or argument.
Proof or evidence is important, but it is not always enough. We also need to connect it to our worldview at times, and see how it affects our lives. I'd argue that only then can we truly appreciate and accept the proof or evidence, and make informed decisions based on it.
But the real crossroads is deciding whether we should to begin with.
References:
I'm going to invite a couple of people to read this topic, just in case they want to chime in or have anything they want to say:
@Evangelicalhumanist
@It Aint Necessarily So
What do I mean by worldview? A worldview is a set of beliefs, values, and assumptions that shape how we perceive and interpret reality. It is influenced by various factors. A worldview is not necessarily true or false, but it can be more or less coherent, consistent, and comprehensive compared to other worldviews.
Why does worldview matter? Because it affects how we process information, especially new or unfamiliar information. We tend to filter out or ignore information that contradicts our worldview, and accept or confirm information that supports our worldview. This is called confirmation bias, and it can lead to rejecting valid proof or evidence simply because it doesn't fit our worldview.
How can we overcome this bias? One way is to find someone who can bridge the gap between our worldview and the proof or evidence. This person should be able to understand both sides of the issue, and communicate effectively, clearly and respectfully. They should be able to explain how the proof or evidence relates to our worldview, and how it can enhance or expand our understanding of reality. They should also be able to show us how it's practical or beneficial to believe the proof or evidence, and what benefits and consequences it has for our lives.
Of course, finding such a person is not usually easy. They may not always exist in a given group or discussion thread, or they may not be accessible in general. They may also have their own biases or agendas that influence their presentation of the proof or evidence. So, a better way should be not to rely solely on them, but also try to develop our own critical thinking skills and open-mindedness, and be our own relater of information who if necessary, can bridge the gap between our existing worldview, and the evidence/proof, should it be deemed appropriate upon evaluating the information and sides of the coin or argument.
Proof or evidence is important, but it is not always enough. We also need to connect it to our worldview at times, and see how it affects our lives. I'd argue that only then can we truly appreciate and accept the proof or evidence, and make informed decisions based on it.
But the real crossroads is deciding whether we should to begin with.
References:
Worldview - Wikipedia
en.m.wikipedia.org
Confirmation bias - Wikipedia
en.m.wikipedia.org
I'm going to invite a couple of people to read this topic, just in case they want to chime in or have anything they want to say:
@Evangelicalhumanist
@It Aint Necessarily So