Axiometry, Part V: “If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is.”

All of this talk about free stuff has got me thinking about another saying that lots of people seem to live by:

“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Now, in my post as an optimistic cynic, the impulse behind this saying is spot-on. But as with anything we take as a bit of conventional wisdom, it’s worth unpacking this particular maxim to see if it really makes sense as a guide for how to live one’s life.

And so without further review, it’s time for more axiometry!

A refresher for what it is that we are doing:

Axiom: “A rule or principle that many people accept as true.”

-metry: “Art, process, or science of measuring.”

I want to measure these axioms to determine whether we should accept them as true.

Here we go.

Close Your Mind: A Response to Zigmund Reichenbach’s Guest Post

Hey everyone. In case you missed it, my response to Zigmund Reichenbach‘s guest post has been posted over at his excellent blog, All My Small Thoughts. In it, I discuss how using Zig’s idea of methodological skepticism can strengthen your own arguments and how this relates to debates and even the law, if you’re into that sort of thing.

But I also get into how an excess of skepticism can lead to an inability to judge. In other words, that there is such a thing as being too open-minded. An excerpt:

“Judgment” has become a dirty word, as though making a decision–and sticking with it!–is somehow a bad thing. How dare we place value on anything that anyone alive on this world decides to do or say? Who are you to judge?!

I’ll tell you. I’m a thinking human being.

Open-mindedness is good and all, but at some point you have to close your damn mind and discern and decide and yes, judge.

Read the whole thing at Zigmund’s blog, read the rest of his writing because he’s posting a lot of good stuff over there . . . and tell him Alex sent you.

Follow me on Twitter @DaytimeRenegade and Gab.ai @DaytimeRenegade

And check out my Instagram here.

Guest Post: Methodological Skepticism by Zigmund Reichenbach of All My Small Thoughts

Skepticism comes in a variety of styles and flavors. Some prefer the nihilistic variety, others prefer playing skeptical troll.

But fortunately for us, there’s a better kind of skepticism.

One that we can use to:

1. Uplift others
2. Make conversation
3. Become more intelligent in the process.

This variety of skepticism will be known as “methodological skepticism” (a distinction borrowed from scholar Michael Forster).

This skepticism relies on a Greek concept called “equipollence” meaning “equal force on both sides” as it pertains to making arguments.

And we can use this form of skepticism in a very “judicial” manner–meaning we can use to build up the arguments of our “opponents,” test our arguments against this “iron man”–for strawmen are intentionally weak arguments designed to set us up for moral grandstanding–and see which argument wins.

Be My Guest . . . Again!

That’s right, it’s time for another guest post here on Amatopia!

Without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to Zigmund Reichenbach of All My Small Thoughts. Zig is a smart dude, funny guy, philosopher, intellectual patriot, and all around interesting cat who always has something trenchant to say. He is studying to become a full-blown Hannah Arendt scholar, yet still finds the time to write and publish his pieces.

His post is going to be about a topic near and dear to my heart: Skepticism! Read and enjoy, leave lots of comments, and as before I’ll be publishing my reaction to Zig’s piece afterwards . . . here or perhaps even at Zig’s site.

Mystery abounds . . .

Follow me on Twitter @DaytimeRenegade and Gab.ai @DaytimeRenegade

And check out my Instagram here.