[quote=alternaut][i] That's one opinion. I realize that 'the greater scheme of things' for some people (who only want to wait around for science to tell them what to believe) might be all that matters. But we could all be dead before those answers come. Look at that many-worlds interpretation for example. That -- and many other theories like it -- have sat around since the late 50s. (That's over 50 years folks).
Pluswhich, I contend that: without some sort of faith (in something), some sense of adventure and/or an actual *interest* in what these theories (seem to) imply about "reality" -- there would be no further progress (or theories even). People would just sit around and wait for research data, rather than stepping out on a limb with scientific speculation. It is *ideas* (theories, guesses, interpretations, conjecture, etc.) which provide impetus and direction (i.e., what intelligent questions to ask next). Also, these theories give other scientists ideas... stuff to ponder, expand, and/or debate [i.e., what does it mean?].
From here I need to examine the language.
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know v
1. vti to have information firmly in the mind or committed to memory
2. vti to believe firmly in the truth or certainty of something
3. vti to be or become aware of something
4. vt to have a thorough understanding of something through experience or study
5. vt to be acquainted, associated, or familiar with somebody or something
6. vt to be able to perceive the differences or distinctions between things or people
7. vt to recognize somebody or something by a distinguishing characteristic or attribute
8. vt to engage in sexual intercourse with somebody (archaic)
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be·lief n
1. acceptance by the mind that something is true or real, often underpinned by an emotional or spiritual sense of certainty
2. confidence that somebody or something is good or will be effective
3. a statement, principle, or doctrine that a person or group accepts as true
4. an opinion, especially a firm and considered one
5. religious faith
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sus·pect v
1. vt to believe that somebody may have committed a crime or wrongdoing without having any proof
2. vt to doubt the truth or validity of something
3. vt to think that something is probable or likely
4. vti to be suspicious about something
n
somebody who is thought to be possibly guilty of wrongdoing or doing something illegal
adj
1. thought or likely to be false or untrustworthy
2. looking likely to contain something dangerous or illegal
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de·duce vt
1. to come to a conclusion, often without all the necessary or relevant information, but using what is known in a logical way
2. to come to a conclusion by inference from a general principle
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faith n
1. belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof
2. a system of religious belief, or the group of people who adhere to it
3. belief in and devotion to God
4. a strongly held set of beliefs or principles
5. allegiance or loyalty to somebody or something
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con·fi·dence n
1. a belief or self-assurance in your ability to succeed
2. belief or assurance in somebody or something or the ability of somebody or something to act in a proper, trustworthy, or reliable manner
3. something told to somebody that is to be kept private
4. a relationship based on trust and intimacy
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ac·cep·tance n
1. a written or verbal indication that somebody agrees to an invitation
2. the willing receipt of a gift or payment
3. willingness to believe that something is true
4. the realization of a fact or truth resulting in somebody’s coming to terms with it
5. the tolerating of something without protesting
6. willingness to treat somebody as a member of a group or social circle
7. an offer to allow somebody to join an organization or attend an institution
8. formal agreement, in writing or verbally, showing that somebody assents to the terms and conditions in a contract
9. a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft or bill of exchange when it becomes payable
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rec·og·nize vt
1. to identify a thing or person because of having perceived him, her, or it before
2. to show appreciation of or give credit to another’s achievement
3. to allow a person to speak to a meeting
4. to accept formally the independent and legal status of a country or regime
5. to give or award something to a person as a token of acknowledgment of or gratitude
6. to show in some way that somebody is personally known
7. to accept the validity or truth of something
8. to bind another molecule that has a complementary structure
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ac·knowl·edge v
1. vti to admit or accept that something exists, is true, or is real
2. vti to respond to something such as a greeting or message to show it has been noticed or received
3. vti to show appreciation or express thanks for something such as a letter or gift
4. vt to recognize or admit the existence, rights, or authority of somebody or something, especially in a legal context
5. vt to give official or public recognition of the help somebody has given or the work somebody has done
Encarta® World English Dictionary
Belief, is an acceptance
Faith, is a simple word that has meaning beyond simple "confidence".
Confidence in ones self, environment, associates, process, study, direction, scope…and so on. Confidence comes with a trust element and trust can be earned. There is an element of risk in Confidence so there needs to be a value assessment.
