Yes there are words for that, Reflex - words like "cautious", "careful", "rigorous" and "humble" (with antonyms of "reckless", "careless", "imprecise" and "arrogant"). "I don't know" is ultimately the only standpoint from which we can learn. After all, if we decide we already know:Reflex wrote: ↑Sun Sep 03, 2017 12:48 amRight. Each has their own logical consequences and their own absolute against which to measure the validity of ideas. Some prefer the ease of "I don't know" over exploring the logical consequences of each; some prefer to rest their laurels on relativism and the aimlessness it leads to over exploring other possibilities and their uncertainties.Greta wrote: ↑Sat Sep 02, 2017 11:30 pm This topic is simple enough.
Either we just have/are a universe. No theism.
Or we have/are a universe with a kind of integrated universal sentience. Pantheism.
Or we have/are a universe that is an expression of a larger sentience. Panentheism.
Or we have a universe that is created by a larger sentience. Theism.
If anyone tells you that they know for sure which is the case, they are presenting speculation as fact.
Is there a name for fear of being wrong?
1. We may stop inquiring since we already "know", or
2. We may delve into ever greater detail down a blind alley (note that in this case the "I don't know" is still present, only shifted).
You know how workers often think their job is the hardest, most important and undervalued in an organisation? The same overestimation of self and underestimation of others applies everywhere, and definitely in philosophy forums! We see our own minds in all their lurid depth but can only access the shallows of others' minds. So it goes. It's only logical, though, that others do have these similar rich inner experiences, regardless of the conduit.
The upshot is that delving and inquiring, regardless of the standpoint of where one decides they "don't know" or not, is intrinsically valuable in itself and, arguably, the crux of leading a good life - to keep growing as a person and learning.
Summary: what we believe or don't believe matters less than being open to growth and learning, be it scientific, mystical or whatever.