Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories

Navigating reality's tapestry: Embracing truth and moral reasoning

Navigating reality's tapestry: Embracing truth and moral reasoning
Getty Images

Leland R. Beaumont is an independent wisdom researcher who is seeking real good. He is currently developing the Applied Wisdom curriculum on Wikiversity.

In the vast tapestry of existence, reality weaves its intricate patterns, awaiting our understanding and engagement. Every decision we make, from the simplest to the most profound, hinges on the unspoken wager that reality indeed exists. It is a bet we place countless times, like opening a door before passing through a doorway—a small yet consequential act that reaffirms our belief in the fabric of reality.


To embark on this journey, we must first learn what reality has to offer. It is a profound and awe-inspiring entity, ever-present and waiting to be explored. As we delve into its depths, we begin to appreciate the intrinsic beauty and intricacies that lie within its folds.

Within the grand tapestry of reality, truth acts as a faithful correspondent. Like the threads that bind a tapestry, truth aligns with the very essence of reality. Beliefs, on the other hand, are the threads we hold dear, shaping our perceptions and understanding of the world. It is within our power to choose these beliefs—to select those that align with truth and weave a narrative of clarity and coherence.

Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter

In this delicate dance between truth and belief, it becomes apparent that untrue beliefs carry a greater potential for harm than their true counterparts. The path to moral integrity, then, lies in our moral obligation to choose true beliefs—a responsibility we hold not only to ourselves but to the greater tapestry of humanity.

As we navigate this rich fabric of existence, we face the question of how to select our beliefs wisely. We discover that reality serves as our common ground—a steadfast foundation that transcends subjective perceptions. While perceptions may be personal and constructed, reality stands as the objective arbiter in disputes concerning matters of fact. It is through the lens of reality that we can find resolution and unity.

To navigate the complexities of reality, we seek reliable epistemologies—those trusted ways of knowing that converge on its truths. The lack of convergence, when apparent contradictions arise, signals an incomplete investigation, urging us to delve deeper and refine our methods. In this pursuit, scientific thinking emerges as one of the most reliable epistemologies, providing a framework for understanding reality's intricacies.

Amidst this exploration, we encounter the guiding principle of Intellectual Honesty—a companion on our journey. Intellectual Honesty blends good faith with an unwavering commitment to seeking true beliefs. It becomes the guiding light that illuminates the path toward clarity and understanding.

Yet, truth alone is not sufficient in guiding our actions. Moral reasoning steps forward to help us discern what we ought to do—to navigate the moral landscape that unfolds before us. It is a tool that allows us to make informed choices, rooted in considerations of well-being and human experience.

Thus, moral reasoning finds its foundation in the study of human well-being—a rich tapestry of experiences that shape our understanding of what truly matters. It extends beyond our immediate spheres, encompassing all sentient beings, transcending boundaries of time and space. It beckons us to seek the real good—to actively contribute to the flourishing of all.

In this great tapestry of existence, we find ourselves granted the agency to choose our path—to live wisely and navigate reality's vast expanse. The threads of truth, moral reasoning, and compassion weave together, forming the fabric of our lives. Through these choices, we leave an indelible mark upon the tapestry, shaping a world that embraces the pursuit of truth and the betterment of all sentient beings.

So, let us embrace these insights as we traverse reality's tapestry. Let us seek true beliefs and navigate moral dilemmas with reasoned discernment. In doing so, we embrace the essence of living wisely—contributing to the ongoing creation of a world that cherishes truth, compassion, and the boundless possibilities that lie within the tapestry of reality.

This essay is written by Leland Beaumont with the assistance ofChatGPT using his previously published essayReal, Good Insights.

Read More

Department of Educaiton
What would it mean if President-elect Trump dismantled the US Department of Education?
Flickr

What would it mean if President-elect Trump dismantled the Department of Education?

In her role as former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, Linda McMahon oversaw an enterprise that popularized the “takedown” for millions of wrestling fans. But as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of education, the Trump loyalist may be tasked with taking down the very department Trump has asked her to lead.

If Trump does dismantle the Department of Education as he has promised to do, he will have succeeded at something that President Ronald Reagan vowed to do in 1980. Just like Trump, Reagan campaigned on abolishing the department, which at the time was only a year old. Since then, the Republican Party platform has repeatedly called for eliminating the Education Department, which oversees a range of programs and initiatives. These include special funding for schools in low-income communities – known as Title I – and safeguarding the rights of students with disabilities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hand-drawn Pilgrim hat with the words "Happy Thanksgiving"
mushroomstore/Getty Images

This Thanksgiving, it's not only OK but necessary to talk politics

This Thanksgiving, do not follow the old maxim that we should never discuss politics at the dinner table.

Many people's emotions are running high right now. Elections often bring out a wide range of feelings, whether pride and optimism for those who are pleased with the results or disappointment and frustration from those who aren’t. After a long and grueling election season, we need to connect with and not avoid one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Happy family raising toast while sitting together at dining table during Thanksgiving
The Good Brigade

Forget the survival guides: Politics is rarely an issue at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a minefield of political debates, with an annual surge of guides offering tips to "survive" political conversations at the dinner table. But how useful are these guides?

Research actually shows that most Americans neither want nor need the abundance of advice. While the vast majority of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, relatively few want to talk about politics over the holiday. A 2022 Axios/Ipsos poll found that 77 percent of Americans believe Thanksgiving is not the right time for political discussions. Somewhat similarly, a 2023 Quinnipiac poll found only 29 percent of Americans say they are looking forward to discussing politics at Thanksgiving, less than half the number who say they are hoping to avoid discussing it.

Keep ReadingShow less