Why did you accept it as true?

Question

If philosophy explores the issue of truth, what are your beliefs, where did they come from, why did you accept it as true and without even questioning it?

I gave no one any thumbs down. That you believe that I did, is very closely related to my quesiton. You accepted the belief that I did this, when I did not.

The challenge of beliefs.

Such strong reactions.

Perhaps an example. I was told a cultural myth about Santa. Why did I accept it as true? Why would my parent perpetuate a myth or a lie on me? My parents wouldn't lie after all, would they? But, like so many millions of children, we accept this belief as true without ever questioning it.

Answer 1

I think you make an excellent point in that most people believe what they do because their parents did... we tend to follow along with what we are brought up believing. I think at some point in your life, however, it is important to research, explore, question those beliefs and make sure you support it after having your own observations and life experiences. Sometimes it changes.. if we have enough courage to be our own person. GREAT QUESTION by the way... :) I feel like I need to apologize for the rude answers even tho mine wasnt one of em... dont be offended. If they don't like the question a quick and effective solution is to NOT answer...... peace out :)

Answer 2

My hard-wired beliefs come from things I was told within that time frame when I could understand words but had no ability to reason. Society teaches young children these things because:

1. They themselves never questioned them (or did but not enough).
2. They sincerely mean well and want their children to grow up to become good people and good citizens.
3. To make children more manageable.

These hard-wired beliefs all but impossible to change because:

1. They weren't examined, just swallowed whole.
2. They're so cemented into my mind, I can even identify only a few (I just know there have to be more). They're as real and as part of me as another limb.
3. They become intricately intertwined with other beliefs, which are themselves carried over to even more beliefs, from which they can't be separated. Our set of beliefs is like a tremendous tree with long and many branches, and deep roots.

A few I've recognized, but can only adapt:

God exists.
Good and evil exist.
Certain actions are immoral.

To ease symptoms, I take Nietzsche twice a day and at bedtime. Calamities (lifequakes) help, too.

Answer 3

The question itself is guilty of the same offense.
It is assuming that the responder has accepted his/her beliefs as true without questioning.

Seems to be a case for,'Physician! Heal thyself.'

Answer 4

Despite the fact that you obviously didn't like his answer, 'alex s' was right on. Asking what our beliefs are is insanely broad, and the presumption that we accepted them as true without questioning them is pompous and ignorant.

I expect to get the same thumbs down you gave alex. In fact, I insist on it.

Answer 5

thats just a silly question. First, you take this so rediculously broad by saying "what are your beliefs". Beliefs in reference to what? I belive a whole lot of things. As to the blind acceptance---thats jsut a baseless leap that makes you sound like a pretentious asshole saying "dont accept whatever your told!" In saying this however, you're making the huge assumption that everyone here has accepted their whole system of beliefs through blind faith. This is ignorant.

Answer 6

I question everything. I have formed my beliefs and truths over my lifetime.

Answer 7

Nothing.

Nothing is completely true or false. Extremes like black or white are only abstracts concepts.

Answer 8

beliefs are the result of learning and experiences.

Answer 9

"Follow the seekers of truth, but avoid the people who claim to have found it!" -- Jens Martin Knudsen

Answer 10

Bollocks....