"Bias does not negate truthfulness," is something I deal with quite frequently while working in Academia, particularly during mid-term or exam weeks when students try to appeal their grades =P
They're personally motivated to get a better grade. I'm personally motivated to defend my grading procedure. In the end, the validity of their appeal is not dependent of either factor.
One time, a student research assistant reported that several of our lab’s measuring tools were faulty and needed to be replaced.
I was already inclined not to believe him because getting new equipment would be expensive (we were already on tight budget) and I’ve already published a paper based on data measured with those tools—which would be invalidated if they were faulty as claimed. Presumably, the student had no bias in either direction.
When I checked how this student actually got his conclusion, it turns out his methodology was seriously flawed (he basically used a less precise measuring tool as the standard). I tested the wares using textbook-approved method, and turns out they’re fine.
"...when someone encounters a profound truth, we should also expect them to become strongly convinced of it...bias alone is never a reliable test for truthfulness."
This was such a good read, and a good lesson. Honestly, I've never approached Scripture from the POV that it is bias-written. However, I suppose I would if I wanted to make a claim that it was not truth.
I love the "counterproductive" section pointing out how the apostles were the harshest on themselves, rather than make themselves look smarter in the process.
Great work here. Thank you.
Very well done brother! Great example of the holocaust survivors testimony and bias not invalidating their witness. I’ve never thought of that.
Thanks Justin, I really appreciate it brother!
"Bias does not negate truthfulness," is something I deal with quite frequently while working in Academia, particularly during mid-term or exam weeks when students try to appeal their grades =P
They're personally motivated to get a better grade. I'm personally motivated to defend my grading procedure. In the end, the validity of their appeal is not dependent of either factor.
Love this analogy!
Oh, just remembered another example.
One time, a student research assistant reported that several of our lab’s measuring tools were faulty and needed to be replaced.
I was already inclined not to believe him because getting new equipment would be expensive (we were already on tight budget) and I’ve already published a paper based on data measured with those tools—which would be invalidated if they were faulty as claimed. Presumably, the student had no bias in either direction.
When I checked how this student actually got his conclusion, it turns out his methodology was seriously flawed (he basically used a less precise measuring tool as the standard). I tested the wares using textbook-approved method, and turns out they’re fine.
"...when someone encounters a profound truth, we should also expect them to become strongly convinced of it...bias alone is never a reliable test for truthfulness."
Amen bro. Excellent piece
Thank you Jack! I really appreciate the feedback.
Saving for later!
This was such a good read, and a good lesson. Honestly, I've never approached Scripture from the POV that it is bias-written. However, I suppose I would if I wanted to make a claim that it was not truth.
I love the "counterproductive" section pointing out how the apostles were the harshest on themselves, rather than make themselves look smarter in the process.