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Mistaken
Article

Mistaken

I Think, Therefore I Make Mistakes and Change my Mind

Aeon, 2018

自动生成的音频
自动生成的音频

Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Well Structured

Recommendation

Ever since English poet Alexander Pope wrote the famous line, “To err is human,” people have linked humanity to the ability to make mistakes. And yet, this realization doesn’t always extend to people’s personal preferences, which sciences such as economics and sociology tend to treat as given or even too sacred to criticize. Lawyer Daniel Ward deconstructs the origins of what he calls “general infallibility” and calls for more critical thinking. Ward’s analysis meanders a bit and is more than a light read, but if you work in a diverse environment, you will appreciate his premise that criticizing – even judging – the opinions of others means giving those opinions the respect they deserve.

Take-Aways

  • People who believe in “general infallibility” think no one has the right to judge anybody else for their opinions in certain contexts. 
  • General infallibility may have roots in sociologists’ belief in cultural relativism and economists’ theory of revealed preference.
  • The capacity to reason makes people more susceptible to error.

About the Author

Attorney Daniel Ward focuses on commercial litigation and international arbitration. He is a PhD candidate in legal studies at the University of Cambridge, England.


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