If two educated men are both absolutely certain they are right...?

Question

...and incapable of convincing each other, is it safe to assume that one or both of them are somehow incapable of rational thought? Ignorance doesn't count as an excuse because the intelligent men can present each other with evidence.

What about all the different beliefs on this site? All the different religions keep on trying to convert each other, yet never seem to get anywhere. Each side has evidence and proof that they are right that makes sense to them, yet they have such problems convincing others...

Is it fair to say that something like 90% of the population of planet Earth is incapable of thinking rationally about their religion? I know, I know, you have some sort of uber-evidence, and would doubtless like to show it to me so you don't have to deal with the possibility that you are in that 90% faction. Please, save yourself the trouble.

My question is what criteria do you set for absolute certainty in anything if you might just be insane?

Bobbie, you're on to me!

Answer 1

Someone like yourself purposing this question.

Answer 2

You seem to think that people are actually capable of presenting convincing evidence on this forum. Seriously, how can someone, in one paragraph, present enough evidence to affect your whole life, and even your eternal welfare? That would be asking for quite a bit. Of course people are not going to convince eachother on this forum. It is a question and answer page, not a place to be convinced of something you don't believe.

Answer 3

Well, Ive been taught that being humble, good, loving , accepting, honesty, forgiveness, sincerity, looking for knowledge, looking for wisdom, are only meaningful if you have a Creator to worship.

Ive been taught that this creator has to be unique, an unlike us: limited in scope and capacity.

He has to be so large, so powerful, so eternal that I will never doubt His fairness or mercy.

My mind affirms, that if I am to bow infront of any being, it will be that which has created me. No human, no power, no one but He.

And this being is the one who solely deserves any kind of obedience if you ask me.

My mind is the tool by which I judge the information given to me. And my mind knows, that unless its from God, no human will tell me what I just typed onto your answer.

Answer 4

"is it safe to assume that one or both of them are somehow incapable of rational thought?"

No, it is only safe to assume that if they hold contradictory beliefs then both of them cannot be correct and one or both of them are in error.

There is a difference between "rational thought" and having complete understanding of a matter and being able to consider evidence without having the hindrance of presuppositions that blind people to truth because they have untrue premises that prevent them from accepting evidence that supports a contrary position.

Answer 5

Criteria for absolute certainty if I'm insane? No social life ,No friends,And being delusional .

Answer 6

Personal relationship with God is my criteria for certainty.

Of course, you can call me insane but then what is sane and what is insane depends on your own point of view.

You could call me a liar too, it makes no difference to me.

I know what I know because I know WHO I know.

Peter
http://www.nabitunics.com/life

Answer 7

Someone said something once about the dangers of arrogance...
Something about pride leading to destruction, and a haughty spirit leading to a bad fall...


Seemed like pretty good advice to me.

Answer 8

Well the bottom line is that education nor rational evidence changes truth.

Answer 9

Learned men are many, but only a few are geniuses or sages.

Peace and Love

Answer 10

I refuse to answer you because we'll just get into an argument and my proof is better than your proof so you're going to hell.