Fallibilism and Authority

The idea that we are fallible is disconcerting. This is because there is no way of knowing, with total certainty, that our knowledge is completely accurate or true. There are no absolute authorities, because everyone is prone to misinterpret what’s around them. This can be a point of despair for many. 

To avoid falling into nihilistic traps, we search for authorities we can align ourselves to. By claiming allegiance to an authority, whether an individual or ideology, we gain a cornerstone from which to build knowledge. This isn’t a search for truth then, but a search for certainty through endorsement. An endorsement that eases our anxiety through commitment, because commitment gives the feeling of stability. Something that won’t give out. Something that won’t change. 

Nothing is unchanging though and it’s our fallibilism (the fact that there are no absolute authorities) that allows humanity to progress. It makes it so that all of us may participate in generating knowledge and to potentially further the understanding of reality.

This responsibility, though uplifting and hopeful, is ultimately more frightening to us in many ways. It’s because we have to accept uncertainty and put ourselves on the hook. We have to embrace volatility and open ourselves up to criticism and fear. We have to be prepared to be wrong and adapt to what is true when we find it. Something that makes us vulnerable and responsible to ourselves and others. Something that’s always easier in theory than in practice.

These are just some thoughts as I'm rereading The Beginning Of Infinity by David Deutsch.