We need beliefs that are true.  We are more likely to make better decisions if they are based on the truth.  We need to be able to work out why they are true. 

The plain truth is not enough.  We need true beliefs that are more than just philosophically sound, scientifically accurate, and historically valid.   

The truth must provide insight into meaning.  Whatever meaning or purpose we can find in life should be supported by the truth.  We need beliefs that satisfy our deepest visceral emotions, our sense of mystery and ‘spiritual’ needs, our longing for connection to our bodies, nature and each other. Otherwise they are superficial and don’t affect us.

Pursuing the truth must help us define our values. Our values guide our choices for practical action.  Otherwise there is no point putting in the effort to   understand the complexities of our lives. 

Our views of the truth, meaning and values guide our daily actions and life changing decisions.

What are Beliefs?

Some scientists and sceptics say that they don't have “beliefs”, implying that “beliefs” are held despite the evidence, and of course scientists rely on reason and the evidence. 

But we all believe the sun will rise tomorrow (even if we can't see it), and we all have a belief system that guides how we interact with the world. 

To pretend otherwise is denying reality.

Even the scientists who don't have “beliefs” work within a “paradigm”, but what is that?  Scientists must have working hypotheses to form concepts, to propose new scientific hypotheses, to devise experiments and make measurements. 

No-one conducts science in a vacuum devoid of any understanding of the world.  What constitutes that understanding is what most people – like us – call beliefs.  more