Difference between revisions of "Free-thinking"
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| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_century 1711] |
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
| − | *1: unorthodox [[attitudes]] or [[beliefs]]; specifically : 18th century [ | + | *1: unorthodox [[attitudes]] or [[beliefs]]; specifically : 18th century [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deism deism] |
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
'''Freethought''' is a philosophical [[viewpoint]] that holds [[opinions]] should be formed on the basis of [[logic]], [[reason]], and empiricism and not [[authority]], [[tradition]], or other [[dogmas]]. The cognitive application of freethought is known as "freethinking", and practitioners of freethought are known as "freethinkers". | '''Freethought''' is a philosophical [[viewpoint]] that holds [[opinions]] should be formed on the basis of [[logic]], [[reason]], and empiricism and not [[authority]], [[tradition]], or other [[dogmas]]. The cognitive application of freethought is known as "freethinking", and practitioners of freethought are known as "freethinkers". | ||
| − | Freethought holds that [[individuals]] should not [[accept]] ideas proposed as [[truth]] without recourse to [[knowledge]] and [[reason]]. Thus, freethinkers strive to build their [[opinions]] on the basis of [[facts]], scientific [[inquiry]], and logical [[principles]], independent of any logical [[fallacies]] or the intellectually limiting effects of [[authority]], [ | + | Freethought holds that [[individuals]] should not [[accept]] ideas proposed as [[truth]] without recourse to [[knowledge]] and [[reason]]. Thus, freethinkers strive to build their [[opinions]] on the basis of [[facts]], scientific [[inquiry]], and logical [[principles]], independent of any logical [[fallacies]] or the intellectually limiting effects of [[authority]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias confirmation bias], cognitive bias, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conventional_wisdom conventional wisdom], [[popular]] culture, [[prejudice]], sectarianism, tradition, urban legend, and all other [[dogmas]]. Regarding [[religion]], freethinkers hold that there is insufficient [[evidence]] to support the existence of [[supernatural]] phenomena. |
| − | A line from "Clifford's Credo" by the 19th Century British mathematician and philosopher [ | + | A line from "Clifford's Credo" by the 19th Century British mathematician and philosopher [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Kingdon_Clifford William Kingdon Clifford] perhaps best describes the premise of freethought: "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence."[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_thinking] |
==Quote== | ==Quote== | ||
| − | When a member of a [[social]] religious [[group]] has complied with the requirements of such a [[group]], he should be [[encouraged]] to [[enjoy]] religious [[liberty]] in the full [[expression]] of his own [[personal]] [[interpretation]] of the [[truths]] of religious [[belief]] and the [[facts]] of religious [[experience]]. The [[security]] of a [[religious]] | + | When a member of a [[social]] religious [[group]] has complied with the requirements of such a [[group]], he should be [[encouraged]] to [[enjoy]] religious [[liberty]] in the full [[expression]] of his own [[personal]] [[interpretation]] of the [[truths]] of religious [[belief]] and the [[facts]] of religious [[experience]]. The [[security]] of a [[religious]] group depends on [[spiritual]] [[unity]], not on [[theological]] [[uniformity]]. A religious [[group]] should be able to [[enjoy]] the [[liberty]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_thought freethinking] without having to become "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brethren_of_the_Free_Spirit freethinkers]"[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brights]. There is great [[hope]] for any church that [[worships]] the living [[God]], [[validates]] the [[brotherhood]] of [[man]], and dares to remove all creedal [[pressure]] from its members. ([[103:5|103:5.12]]) |
[[Category: Philosophy]] | [[Category: Philosophy]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:17, 13 December 2020
Definition
Description
Freethought is a philosophical viewpoint that holds opinions should be formed on the basis of logic, reason, and empiricism and not authority, tradition, or other dogmas. The cognitive application of freethought is known as "freethinking", and practitioners of freethought are known as "freethinkers".
Freethought holds that individuals should not accept ideas proposed as truth without recourse to knowledge and reason. Thus, freethinkers strive to build their opinions on the basis of facts, scientific inquiry, and logical principles, independent of any logical fallacies or the intellectually limiting effects of authority, confirmation bias, cognitive bias, conventional wisdom, popular culture, prejudice, sectarianism, tradition, urban legend, and all other dogmas. Regarding religion, freethinkers hold that there is insufficient evidence to support the existence of supernatural phenomena.
A line from "Clifford's Credo" by the 19th Century British mathematician and philosopher William Kingdon Clifford perhaps best describes the premise of freethought: "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence."[1]
Quote
When a member of a social religious group has complied with the requirements of such a group, he should be encouraged to enjoy religious liberty in the full expression of his own personal interpretation of the truths of religious belief and the facts of religious experience. The security of a religious group depends on spiritual unity, not on theological uniformity. A religious group should be able to enjoy the liberty of freethinking without having to become "freethinkers"[2]. There is great hope for any church that worships the living God, validates the brotherhood of man, and dares to remove all creedal pressure from its members. (103:5.12)
