There are many beliefs in the world and they all generally have something in common and that is that they exhibit a confidence in the truth or existence of something that is not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof. Opinions are often an expression of these kind of beliefs, but they are als0 generally presented, certainly in social media arenas, as unquestionable. It is part of the intolerant approach to discussion that has sadly become the norm since the Covid-19 pandemic, which, ironically, no one seems to be discussing anymore.

I value empirical evidence and an open mind. I am willing to entertain new ideas and I try not to respond with my first impressions, although I will admit that I am not always successful in that regard. If a subject interests me then I will try and learn something about it. I will go away and do some research. Yes, you can do your own research, it is not an activity reserved only for people with degrees and doctorates; all you need is the abilities of reading and understanding what you have read. One of the problems with researching beliefs, however, is that if they match the definition above then, logically, you are going to fail to find any evidence to support the opinion that is based upon the belief only.

Religious beliefs have struggled with this problem for millennia and still not found an answer to it. Others who are propounding opinions that appear to be popular today choose not to even attempt to answer the problem of proof, instead they opt for shouting the loudest and using personal criticism to shut the critic up. It does not seem to matter what the subject under debate is, if your argument appears to contradict that of the opinion being popularly expressed then you are going to be shouted at and subject to personal abuse. In this way the facts of your argument might be ignored and forgotten about and they will claim another victory and further confirmation that their belief is valid. This activity is sometimes referred to as ‘Cancel Culture’ and it is contrary to any concept of free speech.

Although the term ‘Cancel Culture’ is relatively new the activity itself is as old as civilisation. Socrates fell foul of it in 399 BC when he was charged with corrupting the minds of Athenian youths with his teachings, the same precepts that are now considered the foundation of Western philosophy. Having lost his case, Socrates, as was the tradition in Athens then, suggested his own punishment, which was that he be fined, but the court decided on the death penalty as there is no better way to silence someone who posits arguments that you do not like but, perhaps more importantly, you cannot refute.

I am quite happy for people to have beliefs and to express the opinions that they inspire, but only if I am allowed the opportunity to respond freely when those beliefs and opinions are being forced upon me. My response will be based on fact and logic, however. I do not care if you play the ‘I am offended by what you said’ card, it is meaningless in a debate because my argument will be based on the facts as I understand them and not intended as a personal attack. If you feel offended by a counterargument founded on evidence then you should retire and consider the said argument until you find an answer to it. If you fail to find a reasonable answer then perhaps you should consider accepting that the argument is correct and adjust your own stance accordingly. This is what open-minded people do, but, as history illustrates, particularly in respect of religion, an open mind is not a prerequisite of holding a belief of any kind.