We're often exhorted to "think for yourself" but philosopher Jonathan Matheson argues that it's actually okay not to think for yourself in way more cases than we might intuitively think. In episode 252 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I have Dr. Matheson back on to discuss his new book, Why It's OK Not to Think for Yourself. 

Is the fact that so many people believe in God good evidence for God's existence? I'm joined by philosopher Jon Matheson to discuss the epistemology at play in the "common consent argument for God", that is, the argument that we can be justified in believe in God since so many other people believe in God. 

Episode #48 – The Epistemic Significance of Disagreement

The Epistemic Significance of Disagreements, is a great title, but what does it mean? In this episode, Dr. Matheson’s explains the challenges opposing arguments pose to our beliefs. He recommends living with uncertainty and humility because from that precarious perch, the belief that truth exists and is discoverable can coexist alongside the limits of knowledge and insights.  Confounding, countervailing information, in Jon’s argument, is not a defeater but a powerful ally in the quest for correctness.  This is no dismissive “Alternative Facts” move, or politically correct tolerance.  This archeological dig for truth reveals layer after layer of insights and data, but does not promise to unearth a “Goblet of All Knowledge.  Still, he argues it is worthwhile work. Check it out and let us know what you think

A philosopher explains the dangers of intellectual individualism

By Annelise Jolley

John Templeton Foundation