Embracing Fallibilism
At its core, all progress is the pursuit of better explanations. This insight from David Deutsch recognizes that errors are unavoidable, and by correcting missteps, we expand our knowledge. Deutsch advocates for “Popperian falsification,” the notion that theories can never be definitively proven, only disproven through finding evidence that contradicts their predictions.
This approach is logical. Assume you are wrong and seek better explanations. But this methodology isn’t readily embraced by a human mind that has evolved to make sense of the world. Our minds naturally craft narratives and theories to simplify complexity as efficiently as possible.
The Pitfalls of Dogmatism and Relativism
Instead of Popper’s taxing method, more accessible options exist. Relativism and dogmatism. These methodologies seem to be opposites initially but have much in common.
Dogmatism avows absolute certainty in its doctrinal claims, dismissing dissenters as heretical. Conversely, relativism rejects truth altogether, asserting that knowledge depends on cultural or individual perspectives.
Both views stifle progress by denying fallibility — dogmatists because they hold the dogma and thus the ultimate truth on the matter, and relativists because there is nothing to be wrong about. In each instance, human knowledge is capped.
The Strength of Fallibilism
But the growth of human knowledge is infinite — or can be provided an approach that allows for such growth. Such a method is called fallibalism.
By humbly acknowledging imperfections in even our most refined theories, the fallibilist remains open to better explanations. We gain knowledge not by clinging to assumptions but by testing them. Through this ongoing process of conjecture and refutation, understanding inches forward.
Fallibilism’s openness to being wrong appears vulnerable, yet it is its strength. It welcomes debate, discussion, and testing. Dogmatism and relativism resist discourse — one sees no need, the other no common ground. But progress flows from scrutinizing ideas.
Deutsch jokingly suggests replacing theory with misconception (as in, “the misconception of relativity”) to point out that theories will never be entirely correct; they only become less wrong.
This way of thinking gets under the skin of absolutists and tyrants whose power is derived from authority. Fallibilism’s questioning of assumed certainties unsettles those whose influence rests on unchallenged authority. When power derives from status rather than merit, scrutiny and transparency threaten.
However, knowledge does not require an arbiter. Progress depends not on pronouncements but on explanations. Even when obscured for periods when orthodoxies rule, reality persists, waiting to be revealed by an interrogation of assumptions.
Historical Example: The Heliocentric Model
The opposition to Galileo’s heliocentric model by the Catholic Church exemplifies how dogmatism can impede scientific progress. In the early 17th century, Galileo Galilei’s observations with the newly invented telescope provided compelling evidence that the Earth revolved around the sun. This challenged the geocentric view held by the Church, which was grounded in the teachings of Aristotle and Ptolemy.
Despite mounting evidence supporting the heliocentric model, the Church clung to its geocentric dogma, viewing Galileo’s findings as heretical and contradictory to the established order. The result was the stifling of scientific inquiry. Galileo was forced to recant his views under the threat of persecution.
This episode underscores how adherence to dogmatic beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, can thwart the advancement of knowledge. A fallibilist approach would have encouraged the Church to entertain revising its views, accelerating the acceptance of the heliocentric model and progress in astronomy.
Tyrants fear fallibilism because it exposes the vulnerabilities inherent to all human claims of absolute knowledge, including their own. But true knowledge stems from persevering skepticism, not forced consensus. However uncomfortable to egos and ideologies, fallibilism’s questioning nurtures wisdom in the long arc of inquiry.
From the Church suppressing Galileo’s heliocentric model to the quagmire of endless subjectivity in relativism, we are reminded that the denial of fallibility, whether through rigid doctrines or an excessive embrace of relativism, can cast shadows over the path of enlightenment.
Fallibilism isn’t confined to academic or specialized fields — it’s a powerful mindset that can be applied in your everyday life to navigate complexity and make more informed choices.
Here’s how you can incorporate fallibilism into your life:
Cultivate Intellectual Humility: Like everyone else, you are fallible. Embrace the idea that your beliefs and opinions may have flaws and limitations. This humility opens the door to continuous learning. When faced with a challenging question or decision, approach it with the understanding that you may not have the answers.
Seek Diverse Perspectives: Actively seek out diverse viewpoints. Engage in discussions with people who hold different opinions and beliefs. This broadens your understanding and exposes you to alternative ideas and evidence that may challenge or refine your views.
Embrace the Power of Self-Correction: Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong when new information contradicts your existing beliefs. Fallibilism encourages self-correction and adjusting your views based on evidence. This willingness to change your mind is a hallmark of growth and adaptability.
Encourage Critical Thinking: In your interactions with others, especially in discussions about important topics, encourage critical thinking. Ask questions that challenge assumptions and push for evidence-based reasoning. This fosters a culture of constructive dialogue and open-mindedness in your personal and professional relationships.
Be Open to Feedback: Welcome feedback, even when uncomfortable. Constructive criticism can highlight blind spots and areas where your understanding may be incomplete. Use feedback as an opportunity to refine your knowledge and improve your decision-making.
Approach Problem-Solving with Curiosity: When faced with complex problems or decisions, approach them with curiosity rather than a set agenda. Be open to exploring multiple solutions and be willing to iterate and adapt as you gain more information and experience.
Deutsch said, “Fallibilists expect even their best and most fundamental explanations to contain misconceptions in addition to truth, and so they are predisposed to try to change them for the better.”
Ultimately, the essence of fallibilism lies in embracing the notion that our best explanations are not timeless truths but stepping stones to greater understanding. We affirm our commitment to the unending quest for knowledge by adopting this spirit of perpetual inquiry.
