What do you know, and how do you know you know it?

[Ben Tilly]

This was the title of a post that I wrote in another forum some time ago. It is of general interest, so I thought that I'd present it for discussion here as well.

What do you know, and how do you know you know it?

The post was about how I, personally, address this question. Particularly when it comes to evaluating what I know and learning new things.

Enjoy,
Ben

 

[fuelair]

Balance new input against known, tested, verified previous knowledge. If it sticks, use it to add on. If it sloughs off, leave it where it lies - because it's probably lying. I am quite certain I exist - but I'm not so sure about you. But the god thing, no - nothing about my existence requires its.

 

[Ben Tilly]

Balance new input against known, tested, verified previous knowledge. If it sticks, use it to add on. If it sloughs off, leave it where it lies - because it's probably lying. I am quite certain I exist - but I'm not so sure about you. But the god thing, no - nothing about my existence requires its.

Do you ever find yourself reconsidering knowledge that you had previously thought was known, tested and verified? When does that happen? Are there any beliefs that you have "provisionally"? (That is you accept them barring more evidence, but you haven't really verified them.) When and why do you (and should you) do that?

Cheers,
Ben

 

[atari24]

It hurts when a horse steps on my foot. I know because a horse has stepped on my foot before.

 

[Dave1001]

Do you ever find yourself reconsidering knowledge that you had previously thought was known, tested and verified? When does that happen? Are there any beliefs that you have "provisionally"? (That is you accept them barring more evidence, but you haven't really verified them.) When and why do you (and should you) do that?

Cheers,
Ben

Aparently that should be every belief, in my opinion.

 

[Ben Tilly]

It hurts when a horse steps on my foot. I know because a horse has stepped on my foot before.

You remind me of a Mark Twain quote. We should be careful to get out of an experience all the wisdom that is in it -- not like the cat that sits on a hot stove lid. She will never sit down on a hot lid again -- and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[Ben Tilly]

Aparently that should be every belief, in my opinion.

I agree that all beliefs should be provisional. But it will take truly astounding evidence to convince me, say, that George Bush has been a great president.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[fuelair]

Do you ever find yourself reconsidering knowledge that you had previously thought was known, tested and verified? When does that happen? Are there any beliefs that you have "provisionally"? (That is you accept them barring more evidence, but you haven't really verified them.) When and why do you (and should you) do that?

Cheers,
Ben

When there is conflicting evidence/theory and the necessary experiments/observations are beyond my expertise/finances/interest level(as in, I don't really care). Most like that are sociological/psychological. Some in quantum theory. None are religious/woo areas.

 

[Dave1001]

I agree that all beliefs should be provisional. But it will take truly astounding evidence to convince me, say, that George Bush has been a great president.

Cheers,
Ben

George Bush was the worst president in history.


Which is why it's so amazing that his son is the best president ever!


(attribution to some comedien that came up with it first).