1.5 Pride And Humility
Back to 1.4 Theism, Atheism, Agnosticism, and Nontheism Defined
1.5.1 In cases of religion, economics, national ideology, and other cherished but unproved or unsubstantiated beliefs, the skeptical have often received criticism for their "pride." The assumption is that the humble person should accept the claims of authority, be they from the church, government, or popular culture. However, this sort of credulity is considered a personal vice among skeptics.
1.5.2 There is a great irony in such accusations of arrogance against the skeptics. When a person believes something for which there is no proof, this is their business. When a person judges negatively others for not accepting these unproven claims, this seems to be to be the epitome of arrogance and pride. Such a person must believe that they themselves hold the keys to the unmistakable truths of the universe. The nature of faith demands a certain degree of arrogance.
1.5.3 Meanwhile, skeptics withhold belief when there is no evidence because they recognize human fallibility. Skeptics recognize that, because of our human imperfections, when we rely on myth, folklore, urban legend, our hopes, or our feelings, we run the risk of fooling ourselves. It takes a great deal of humility to recognize and live by such principles.
Continue to 1.6 Evidence Defined
1.5.1 In cases of religion, economics, national ideology, and other cherished but unproved or unsubstantiated beliefs, the skeptical have often received criticism for their "pride." The assumption is that the humble person should accept the claims of authority, be they from the church, government, or popular culture. However, this sort of credulity is considered a personal vice among skeptics.
1.5.2 There is a great irony in such accusations of arrogance against the skeptics. When a person believes something for which there is no proof, this is their business. When a person judges negatively others for not accepting these unproven claims, this seems to be to be the epitome of arrogance and pride. Such a person must believe that they themselves hold the keys to the unmistakable truths of the universe. The nature of faith demands a certain degree of arrogance.
1.5.3 Meanwhile, skeptics withhold belief when there is no evidence because they recognize human fallibility. Skeptics recognize that, because of our human imperfections, when we rely on myth, folklore, urban legend, our hopes, or our feelings, we run the risk of fooling ourselves. It takes a great deal of humility to recognize and live by such principles.
Continue to 1.6 Evidence Defined
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