Forming Rational Opinions: Beyond Degrees and Narrow Logic

Is it necessary to have a degree in every subject to form a rational opinion? Or would a basic understanding of predicate logic or more general mathematical logic suffice? The answer is neither extreme, but rather a balanced approach that integrates knowledge from various sources and applies real logic—a synthesis of theoretical and experiential insights.

Not Every Degree Is Necessary

Claiming to have a degree in every subject suggests an unrealistic level of specialization and is a dysfunctional extreme. Similarly, relying solely on pure logical rules, such as philosophical logic, without considering the practical foundations of human reasoning also fails to capture the complexity of real-world issues.

Understanding the Overall Scope of Knowledge

To make rational opinions, one must have a basic understanding of the overall scope of knowledge. This understanding should be flexible and capable of making connections between seemingly disparate ideas. Knowledge is interconnected, and a holistic view is crucial for synthesizing different domains.

Embracing Experience and Practical Wisdom

While academic learning is valuable, it is not infallible. Academics and experts can be misled by their own data and orthodoxy for long periods. This is why it is essential to cross-verify information and consider multiple sources. Cultural assumptions and experiential knowledge play a significant role in shaping rational opinions.

The Balance of Rigorous Criticism and Real-World Experience

Rigorous real logic involves more than just formal logical rules. It is an emotional and intellectual response that we refine through both rigorous criticism and exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Developing a Sense of What Makes Sense

To form rational opinions, individuals need a subjective sense of what makes sense. This sense should be grounded in both analytical and experiential knowledge. A basic understanding of several fields is sufficient, but critical thinking and the ability to recognize when one is not in their depth are also crucial.

Collaborative and Holistic Approach

Each subject bears on and critiques every other one, creating a single, interdependent whole of knowledge. By drawing from various domains, one can form a well-rounded perspective. However, it is not necessary to have detailed, confirmed knowledge in every subject, as long as one has an overall sense of rationality and can recognize when professional expertise is needed.

Conclusion

Forming rational opinions requires a balance between formal logic and practical wisdom. While a degree in every subject would be impractical and unnecessary, a basic understanding of predicate logic and exposure to diverse fields can provide the necessary tools for making informed and rational judgments. By integrating analytical and experiential knowledge, we can develop a balanced and nuanced understanding of the world.