Epistemological Pessimism

Written by

in

I learned a great new expression today, courtesy of a comment by Jim Naughton of the Diocese of Washington:

… I’m not an epistemological relativist. I am an epistomological pessimist. I
think we all frequently get things wrong. In this instance, you think I am
wrong, and I think you are wrong, and each of us believes that the other’s
viewpoint can lead to sinful actions. So the question you pose: Who decides? is
straight to the point. I think the Episcopal Church decides, and (I’m guessing
here, and forgive me if I am wrong) you think the Anglican Communion decides.
But aren’t we both just appealing to the power that we think will give us what
we want?

Comments

2 responses to “Epistemological Pessimism”

  1. Mark Diebel Avatar

    Isn’t that why there is supposed to be disciplined, ordered and methodical aspects to knowing truthfully… commonly called science?
    More deeply, it may be realistic for us to take a sceptical view towards our statements… a sort of practical concession… thorough-going pessimism is not compliant with the heart of the gospel which is affirmative that indeed things (of great value) can be known… but without our modern requirement for method.
    Anyway… to live a life of that kind, truly dedicated to that conviction (epistemological pessimism), might leave its proponent useless when the pinch comes… as it usually does… and leave that person unable to act convincingly about anything… simply out of force of habit rather than anything else.
    Maybe… anyway. I don’t know.

  2. John Wilkins Avatar

    James Alison’s book: The joy of being wrong – is an excellent primer on this philosophy through Catholic eyes. His books have helped me out a lot in sorting through this “crisis.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *