This-essay is a8008171.htm which is available at the web-site www.essayz.com. See more notes at the bottom. Previous-Essay <== This-Essay ==> Following-Essay By-Months By-Years By-Words Webs of Like-&-Un-Like ESSAYS <==> Like-&-UN-Like This-One ========================================================== %HYPOTHESIS VERSUS BELIEF 800817 The thorough scientist seeks to disprove her hypothesis, and only if she cannot disprove the hypothesis does she accept it. The proper professional approach to a hypothesis is one of skepticism, challenge, criticism, and disbelief. No hypothesis is ever beyond doubt, for none can be proven valid under all circumstances. New circumstances may arise in which a previously validated hypothesis will prove inadequate. Thus hypotheses are not the focus of ultimate concern and dedication. The scientist is not willing to stake her life upon the validity of a scientific hypothesis. It is important to distinguish between the hypotheses of the scientist. Some scientists falsely believe that they entertain only hypotheses, and operating in terms of that belief they direct their ultimate concern accordingly. Their belief blinds them to the reality of their belief---and they cannot see clearly what it is that they believe. They pretend that their beliefs are proven hypotheses which have universal validity; that they are objective facts. They cannot distinguish between their hypotheses and their beliefs, and because of their confusion they engage in tragic alienative behavior. All scientists have beliefs. Their professional behavior is based upon their basic beliefs; it is not focused upon verifying that their beliefs are well founded. Scientists as scientists do not spend their time examining their beliefs. Thus the beliefs of scientists are not often presented for open consideration as beliefs. Scientists' beliefs are not often evaluated in terms of the behavioral consequences of internalizing them and treating them with ultimate concern. Because of this, collusions form around the beliefs of scientists, and they are turned into idols that become the focus of idolatry, and the occasion for alienation. Scientists' beliefs need to be recognized for what they are---and be evaluated in terms of the behavioral consequences which they occasion. Otherwise scientists become respected as the priests of a mystery cult which is beyond criticism. (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in www.essayz.com Search for Integrity and Honesty (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy) ==========================================================
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