Re: Are Beliefs Like Clothes?

Forrest Bishop (forrestb@ix.netcom.com)
Mon, 18 Aug 1997 16:10:43 -0500 (CDT)


Robin wrote:
>
>I wrote:
> > The theory needs to be coupled with a theory that explains why it
> > is easier to find flaws in ideas if individual people tie
themselves
> > to specific ideas, rather than critiquing ideas one doesn't feel
> > especially tied to.

>> ... I'm wondering just
>>what *practices* you have in mind when you speak of general critique
>>as opposed to position-taking as a way of clarifying one's ideas?
>

>For example, in academic discourse people typically speak about the
>strengths and weaknesses of particular views, and less often say "I
>believe", even when they do.

"I believe" is a metaphysical phrase I never use, rather "I think",
which is shorthand for "I assign a high probability to the veracity
of this claim". Holding a belief constrains the mind.

Forrest