Epistemological Puzzles about Disagreement

Abstract

Abstract Disagreements among intelligent and informed people pose challenging epistemological issues. One issue concerns the reasonableness of maintaining one’s beliefs in the light of such disagreement. Another concerns the possibility of there being cases in which both parties to a disagreement are reasonable in maintaining their beliefs. Attitudes toward disagreement are diverse. At one extreme are people who regard those with whom they disagree as enemies to be discredited, humiliated, and defeated. These people view disagreement as a kind of combat in which ‘victory’ is the measure of success. This attitude is especially prominent in some political exchanges. At another extreme are those who find disagreement unpleasant and preach a kind tolerance. This is especially prominent in religious disagreements.