[Sigia-l] moderation (of various sorts)

[John Fullerton]

related quote for consideration from

Conjectures and Refutations, Karl Popper (1963)

The Liberal Theory of Free Discussion

Freedom of thought, and free discussion, are ultimate Liberal values
which do not really need any further justification. Nevertheless, they
can also be justified pragmatically in terms of the part they play in
the search for truth.

Truth is not manifest; and it is not easy to come by. The search for
truth demands at least

(a) imagination
(b) trial and error
(c) the gradual discovery of our prejudices by way of (a), of (b), and
of critical discussion.

The Western rationalist tradition, which derives from the Greeks, is
the tradition of critical discussion--of examining and testing
propositions or theories by attempting to refute them. This critical
rational method must not be mistaken for a method of proof, that is to
say, for a method of finally establishing truth; nor is it a method
which always secures agreement. Its value lies, rather, in the fact that
participants in a discussion will, to some extent, change their minds,
and part as wiser men.

It is often asserted that discussion is only possible between people
who have a common language and accept common basic assumptions. I think
that this is a mistake. All that is needed is a readiness to learn from
one's partner in the discussion, which includes a genuine wish to
understand what he intends to say. If this readiness is there, the
discussion will be the more fruitful the more the partners' backgrounds
differ. Thus the value of a discussion depends largely upon the variety
of the competing views. Had there been no Tower of Babel, we should
invent it. The liberal does not dream of a perfect consensus of opinion;
he only hopes for the mutual fertilization of opinions, and the
consequent growth of ideas. Even when we solve a problem to universal
satisfaction, we create, in solving it, many new problems over which we
are bound to disagree. This is not to be regretted.

Although the search for truth through free rational discussion is a
public affair, it is not public opinion (whatever this may be) which
results from it. Though public opinion may be influenced by science and
may judge science, it is not the product of scientific discussion.

But the tradition of rational discussion creates, in the political
field, the tradition of government by discussion, and with it the habit
of listening to another point of view; the growth of the sense of
justice; and the readiness to compromise.

Our hope is thus that traditions, changing and developing under the
influence of critical discussion and in response to the challenge of new
problems, may replace much of what is usually called 'public opinion',
and take over the functions which public opinion is supposed to fulfil.
(473-474)

end of quote

Have a nice day
John Paul Fullerton
j-fullerton at tamu.edu