First Blog

  Problem-Solving: Disproving  or Proving a Statement There are several strategies to demonstrate the falsity of a statement: Contradiction: If a statement directly conflicts with a well-established fact or theory, it can be considered false. However, this is not an infallible test, as groundbreaking theories often challenge existing paradigms. Expert Opinion: While relying on experts can be helpful, it's not definitive. Even experts can be mistaken. Personal Belief: Personal beliefs, especially without a strong logical foundation, are unreliable for determining truth. Logical Falsification: In fields like mathematics and science, proving the conclusion of a statement false through accepted logical methods can be a strong indicator of its overall falsity. Lack of Replicability: If a statement or experiment cannot be replicated, it raises doubts about its validity. Author's Reputation: If the author has a history of ...

Complete self-confidence is not merely a sin; complete self-confidence is a weakness.   ---   G. K. Chesterton, in Orthodoxy , 1908.   Though Orthodoxy was written as a Christian apology, this quote has an especially   definite and profound secular value. Most truly intelligent people I know have incomplet e self-confidence. The self-confidence allows them to approach extremely difficult problems, while the incompleteness delimits first guesses and jumps toward a firmament of knowledge without proof. Complete self-confidence often comes with a built-in orthodoxy allowing easy conclusions based on easy thinking. Complete self-confidence offers self-assurance, thus casting self-doubt, introspection, and rigor aside. Complete self-confidence weakens the   holder’s   grasp on reality in favor of an internal mechanism of an unmerited self-righteousness.   Complete self-confidence weakens the need for rigor in acceptance or belief in almost ...