Apr 22, 2023·edited Apr 22, 2023Liked by Brad Miller
Self-interest being so dominant in motivating our reasoning I think the first step towards truth is a priori acceptance that knowing the truth is always best. There are plenty of specious arguments to the effect that some truths are better not known, in other words consequentialist bullshit. After you internalize that pursuit of the truth is consistent with your long-term self-interest, then some combination of logic and empiricism guides the way towards building the most accurate map of reality you're capable of drawing. Retaining epistemic humility allows that map to be refined over time with the recognition that this map will never perfectly align with Truth, but can at least move ever closer.
Self-interest being so dominant in motivating our reasoning I think the first step towards truth is a priori acceptance that knowing the truth is always best. There are plenty of specious arguments to the effect that some truths are better not known, in other words consequentialist bullshit. After you internalize that pursuit of the truth is consistent with your long-term self-interest, then some combination of logic and empiricism guides the way towards building the most accurate map of reality you're capable of drawing. Retaining epistemic humility allows that map to be refined over time with the recognition that this map will never perfectly align with Truth, but can at least move ever closer.