The Human and Historical Dimensions of Certainty

Abstract

The current crisis of certainty seems to us to be further evidence of its intrinsic human and historic dimension, and an implicit defeat of certainty of any absolute and definitive kind. We believe, therefore, that the question must be tackled with greater serenity, and that one must be accept that it is healthy for certainties to change: it is unnecessary to take the road that leads to scepticism, irrationalism or nihilism. The assumption of fallibilism is thus essential for an approach to the problem of certainty, which has its biological and cultural roots in man's own existence. We have distinct forms and different degrees of certainty, from those of the common man, the philosopher and the scientist, to those of the logical-mathematical and natural sciences, and certainties of a moral and human kind; they all, however, appear to have in common a human and historic character. Their acquisition and the consequent overcoming of the various prejudices and obstacles, therefore, we believe depends essentially on a scientific attitude, founded on a careful and unprejudiced critical examination of every issue. We hold, finally, that this attitude, together with a profound sense of humanity, can lead to a substantial improvement of individual and social life.