In: Psychology
Fallibility principle- How does it keep the argument focused on truth while being rational?
The idea that every human being can be wrong is a truth and the realization and acceptance of this by any individual, be it in a discussion or anywhere, is a virtue. Fallibility Principle helps us open gates to possibilities and a neverending journey into it.
As it is said that 'only a fool is sure of what he says but a wise man always doubts himself', Fallibility is a way to reach the truth and moving ahead. It gives way to the phenomenon of mobility of the mind as being adamant about one's own belief is the representation of a stagnant mind. A person stubborn about his argument also begins to sound irrational to stick to his point. But, a person who is actually in the argument to seek the truth will be focused and as logical as possible by his ability.
If in an argument, we actually wish to be more filtered and clear about the truth, we should accept the possibility of ourselves being wrong in the first place. This enables us to accept and process the thoughts and ideas of others which gives us different perspectives on the subject and in the long run be closer to the truth. As we keep receiving the inputs of others in an argument, we keep generating new angles and questions to the topic of discussion. This we can keep adding to the argument and give a better shape to Subject.
It is very much true that we don't always get to the roots of every argument, but Fallibility allows us to be flexible and at least bend towards the more reasonable points and at least find a direction.