2007-03-31 11:57:58 · 21 answers · asked by Steve 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I do not think so and I will explain why in the context of belief and non-belief discourse.
One cannot simply state “I believe in {evolution, God, young earth, etc.} because anything else is not rational”, for to say this or similar things is irrelevant until one has first defined their presuppositions of truth, knowledge, and morality. On the topic of "facts" and rationality:
No person attempts to make their interpretation honest to “the facts”, but rather “the facts” are determined by reference to the individual’s system of interpretation.
Therefore, our systems of interpretation (presuppositions) determine how we look at the world. No one is a neutral explorer.
The cumulative case arguments for the existence/non-existence of God are often constructed without proper consciousness of the system of interpretation being applied to the evidence.
As the arguments are presented in this fashion, they purport the myth of objectivity. Therefore, everyone should quit acting as if they objectively evaluate the evidences in some neutral laboratory before arriving at the likely rational conclusion. Both explorers (believers and non-believers) possess different commitments that control their interpretations of the evidences.
As a Christian, I presuppose a Triune God exists. Therefore, I am obligated to see all of reality in the light of who God is and what He has revealed to me in His word, the Bible and in the world around me.
While all of my questions will never be definitively answered, I find that rationally my belief is on solid ground. There are many things in the world I do not fully understand or experience with my five senses, yet we have no problems in believing them. For example, solar physics is not fully known, yet we all objectively accept, using our presuppositions and scientific discourse, the "fact" that the sun will rise tomorrow.
Persons that seek absolute proof of something are inconsistently applying logic and rationality, for they do not seek this absoluteness in all things. Hence, their epistemologies are not fully formed; they speak without proper understanding of the nature of knowledge.
Why is it we can believe in many things using rational analysis, even when what we believe is only partially known, yet when it comes to matters like a supreme being, we suddenly want the "show me beyond a shadow of doubt" proof? As Aristotle once stated, "It is the mark of an instructed mind to rest satisfied with the degree of precision which the nature of the subject admits, and not to seek exactness when only an approximation of the truth is possible."
When evaluating evidences for belief, I base my judgments on the Bible and God’s revelations in the world around me. These are my presuppositions. Obviously, my presuppositions may not quite line up with your basic beliefs about life. Then where does that leave us? Are believers and non-believers left to guffaw at one another while understanding that **both sides** possess presuppositions that taint the evidence? No. Even due to the fact that we possess different paradigms for interpreting our reality, I believe that by weighing the coherence of our worldviews much fruitful dialogue is available from this point.
In short, unless two parties to any discussion about belief/non-belief define their inherent presuppositions and the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity (epistemology), there can be no meaningful dialog.
2007-03-31 12:18:15 · answer #1 · answered by Ask Mr. Religion 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
EVERYONE has bias of one sort or another. The point is to be aware of what is bias (compared to factual), and whether or not it helps or hinders you, in your life.
Some bias might be healthy, if it leads you to positive things. Other times, it can cloud your judgement, and be harmful. Ideally, we should work towards getting along with other persons, and having respect for them as people/human beings.
Just for exercise, try to step back and evaluate what you think on a given topic. Is it logical and factual, or determined by emotion and bias? Strive to find a good middle ground. The more you think about your own perceptions, the more aware you will be.
2007-03-31 12:07:16 · answer #2 · answered by wendy c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can be. If it is a topic you don't care about, then I think it's easy to provide an unbiased viewpoint. The flip side, if you are totally passionate about something, it's hard to stay unbiased.
2007-03-31 12:01:31 · answer #3 · answered by Greenwood 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
While everyone would like to think they could make a completely unbiased decision, our experiences in life shape every decision we make. It is however possible to take all factors into consideration and make a decision not based upon selfish reasons.
2007-03-31 12:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by eziegelbein 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. If you were unbiased it would mean you were unable to compare and make choices. Some of the choices we make in life happen to be very important. So, be biased.
2007-03-31 12:01:00 · answer #5 · answered by Zenawoo 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I am very biased for Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit.
I am biased for my husband, and son.
I think I have the worlds greatest dogs, and cat (well maybe not the cat) Anybody want a cat?
NO not really you guys!
And I will admit, I probably do not have the best dogs in the world, but I love them like they are none the less.
I don't think biases are necessarily a bad thing.
2007-03-31 12:05:34 · answer #6 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In anything particular? (I'm an unbiased coin-flipper when that method is applicable for determining issues for my two sons.)
2007-03-31 12:00:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, be open-minded and see that everyone has a right to an opinion and that there are two-sides to every story.
2007-03-31 12:01:37 · answer #8 · answered by Tamarinda Alexia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not if you actually care about an issue. Your own opinions are going to sway you in one way or the other, no matter how impartial you try to be.
2007-03-31 12:00:23 · answer #9 · answered by ....... 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think a person can with training and dicipline and an ability to recognize and control his/her emotions
2007-03-31 12:02:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋