Horror dogmatis

Zuzana Parusniková

pp. 27-39

in: Nimrod Bar Am, Stefano Gattei (eds), Encouraging openness, Berlin, Springer, 2017

Abstract

Horror dogmatis was a strong (and perhaps the strongest) driving force behind Popper's effort to formulate a new conception of reason identified with criticism. Dogmatism is inherent in all forms of justificationism; strategies seeking the confirmation of a theory are not only logically flawed and thus irrational, but tend to immunize theories against criticism. Dogmatism is also present in our expectations of (and strong belief in) regularities; Popper set out to solve Hume's problem by treating the need for regularities as biologically inborn and by reformulating belief-sentences in terms of logic (according to the principle of transference). Dogmatism is dangerous in the social sphere, too. Holistic philosophies when practically implemented lead to authoritarianism and oppression. In sum, dogmatism – apart from being irrational – presents an obstacle to the growth of knowledge and to the emergence of the open society. Should critical rationalists adopt a mercilessly hostile attitude to dogmatism? Further, could dogmatism gradually diminish in the course of the evolution of mankind?

Cited authors

Popper Karl