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by Twhupfold on August 31st, 2007

Twhupfold

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"Unless you can question your own beliefs, you have no place questioning the beliefs of others." What do you think about that?

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  • by Tom on August 31st, 2007

    Tom

    I definitely agree. I see beliefs as very fluid things - they depend on both the world around us and beyond. It is only sensible that when new evidence comes to light regarding these beliefs that we re-evaluate our positions, otherwise how can we ensure that they are accurate?

    If you're going to address other individuals' beliefs and challenge them then you would want them to adopt an open minded attitude to the matter otherwise these attempts would be entirely fruitless (as someone who has closed their mind to other views isn't likely to change their own). If you are to question other people's beliefs effectively then you need to understand the nature in which they hold these beliefs. Once you realise the value placed on personal views on such matters by others is equal to those of your own then it's logical that such beliefs should be evaluated in the same manner. Since evaluation involves the critical analysis and breaking down of such beliefs one needs to be willing to apply the same to themselves. If this isn't done the arguments you use when challenging other individuals' beliefs could be easily reversed and even though you may not accept the validity of this, it still exposes a fundamental flaw in your argument where you cannot apply the same logic to your own views.

    Open mindedness is vitally important in debates regarding beliefs. A wise person recognises the constant need to learn. If you approach a situation with your own beliefs set in stone then your opponent in the matter is not going to readily accept your points since you will not even listen to theirs. If, however, one can approach this situation in a way which can make it a learning experience for all parties involved then you're far more likely to be able to put your points across effectively.

    I personally believe that we should always be prepared to question and challenge our own beliefs, no matter whether one feels the need to address other people's. No one should ever reach the point where they think 'I don't need to know any more'. As humans we'll only ever have a limited understanding of our reality and to reject any further knowledge by assuming one's own view on something is completely correct without any chance of inaccuracy, is to limit this further.

    Comments

    • Perfect; I hope the people in question read this answer ; )

      Twhupfold

      by Twhupfold on August 31st, 2007

    • Heh heh, me too but I suppose if one refuses to alter your beliefs in general then reading an answer imploring you to change your view on that won't make much difference.

      Tom

      by Tom on August 31st, 2007

    • Sometimes people can have a moment of realisation after reading/learning about/experiencing something - they just suddenly realise that they weren't right... Hopefully someone will have such a moment : P

      Twhupfold

      by Twhupfold on August 31st, 2007

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