"Whatsoever credit or authority we give to any proposition more than it receives from the principles and proofs it supports itself upon, is owing to our inclinations that way, and is so far a derogation from the love of truth as such: which, as it can receive no evidence from our passions or interests, so it should receive no tincture from them."
Assuming authority to dictate others’ beliefs and prescribing to their opinions accompanies bias and corruption of judgment. A person who has already imposed on their own belief cannot be expected to offer arguments and conviction to others. Such a person violates their own faculties, tyrannizes their mind, and usurps truth’s prerogative to command assent only in proportion to the evidence it carries. Critical thinking is a rational process for deciding whether a claim should be accepted, rejected, or suspended based on evidence. Belief should track evidence rather than interests or feelings. Locke’s view holds that granting more credit or authority than supported by proofs comes from inclinations and undermines love of truth. People often ignore this in matters like climate change and vaccinations, rejecting evidence for passions and interests.
#critical-thinking #evidence-based-belief #cognitive-bias #truth-and-judgment #science-communication
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