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Full Idea
I find that I do not mind at all the thought that I have some false beliefs (of US state capitals), and there are many truths I do not care to know at all (total grains of sand on the beach).
Gist of Idea
I do not care if my trivial beliefs are false, and I have no interest in many truths
Source
Robert Nozick (The Nature of Rationality [1993], p.67)
Book Ref
Nozick,Robert: 'The Nature of Rationality' [Princeton 1995], p.67
A Reaction
A useful corrective to anyone who blindly asserts that truth is the supreme human value. I would still be annoyed if someone taught me lies about these two types of truth.
22663 | Rationality is normally said to concern either giving reasons, or reliability [Nozick] |
22662 | In the instrumental view of rationality it only concerns means, and not ends [Nozick] |
22664 | I do not care if my trivial beliefs are false, and I have no interest in many truths [Nozick] |
22665 | Maybe James was depicting the value of truth, and not its nature [Nozick] |
22666 | Is it rational to believe a truth which leads to permanent misery? [Nozick] |
22667 | Rationality needs some self-consciousness, to also evaluate how we acquired our reasons [Nozick] |