Is it Possible for Someone to Have at Least One Rational Belief Even If All of Their Beliefs Are Not Necessarily True?

Most people believe that the year 2024 is to be followed by 2025, but let's consider the perspective that these years are like the year 13 billion or that the sun will rise at 6 AM every day. Such common beliefs, based on assumptions, are often somewhat rational, given the context, but almost all underlying assumptions are false yet still useful.

Rational vs. Infalsible Beliefs

Take the example of I believe that the square root of 2 is an irrational real number. This is a rational belief because it is based on a mathematical proof, which can be inspected and verified. Another example is I believe that there are infinitely many prime integers p such that the integer p2 is also prime. This belief is rational even though it might be true or false, as no one has proven it to be true or false yet. In fact, according to Kurt G?del's incompleteness theorems, some meaningful arithmetical statements can be true but unprovable with the current mathematical axioms. Therefore, my belief in the infinitude of twin primes is not based on faith; it is merely a well-informed guess or hunch.

Belief vs. Faith

Let's compare the difference between a rational belief and a belief based on faith. For instance, when most people assert that they believe in God and base their belief on faith, they often claim to be certain about God's existence. However, such beliefs are not always rational, as they may be lying about their certainty or deluding themselves. When beliefs are based on irrational faith, they lack empirical evidence or logical proof, and the only argument might be a leap of faith.

The Nature of Reality

The question of reality often comes down to two possible premises: either reality is limited to what we can measure and physically experience, or there is a higher intelligence that created everything. Both are rational possibilities, but neither can be conclusively disproven. This means that even in a secular context, beliefs can be rational if they are based on logical reasoning and empirical evidence, regardless of whether they are true or not.

The Limitations of Secular Beliefs

Secularists often hold certain beliefs that may prove to be false when science provides explanations for previously unknown phenomena. This is where beliefs based on faith, like those of Christians, can offer an alternative perspective. Christians believe in a higher intelligence that created everything and understands all things. Their beliefs are not limited to the reality of this life and world but are based on what God, the highest intelligence, has said. Any wrong belief a Christian may have is often due to not truly hearing God or misinterpreting His words.

Conclusion

It is indeed possible for someone to have at least one rational belief even if all of their beliefs are not necessarily true. Rational beliefs are those that are based on logical reasoning, empirical evidence, and can be openly questioned and challenged. Whether in a secular or religious context, the key is to maintain a balanced and open-minded approach to beliefs, recognizing the rational underpinnings of each belief while acknowledging the potential for further discoveries that may alter our understanding.