Thomas Hobbes: 'They that approve a private opinion, call it opinion; but they that dislike it, heresy; and yet heresy signifies no more than private opinion.'

They that approve a private opinion, call it opinion; but they that dislike it, heresy; and yet heresy signifies no more than private opinion.

In his thought-provoking quote, philosopher Thomas Hobbes delves into the nature of opinions and heresy, challenging us to question the subjectivity of these terms. Simply put, Hobbes suggests that those who agree with a particular viewpoint refer to it as an "opinion," while those who disagree label it as "heresy." However, he astutely notes that heresy is nothing more than a private opinion, stripped of its legitimacy through societal disapproval.This quote holds significant meaning as it sheds light on the perception of ideas and the power dynamics surrounding intellectual discourse. It hints at the human inclination to mark ideas we disagree with as deviant or dangerous, rather than recognizing the multifaceted nature of differing perspectives. Moreover, Hobbes' quote invites us to reflect on the inherent subjectivity of labeling ideas as right or wrong, orthodox or heretical.When analyzing the quote, an unexpected philosophical concept that comes to mind is the notion of "epistemic humility." Epistemic humility refers to the recognition of our limited understanding and the possibility that our own opinions may be flawed or incomplete. It encourages us to approach differing ideas with an open mind and avoid dismissing them as heretical without sufficient consideration.Contrasting Hobbes' observation with the concept of epistemic humility brings an interesting dynamic to the discussion. While Hobbes emphasizes the distinction between private opinions and heresy, epistemic humility suggests that even widely accepted "opinions" may be subject to scrutiny and revision. It prompts us to critically examine the traditions, beliefs, and ideologies we commonly hold, rather than simply accepting and preserving them as orthodox.The significance of Hobbes' quote lies in its ability to challenge the stiffness of dogmatic thinking and highlight the importance of intellectual diversity. It encourages us to adopt a more nuanced approach when evaluating ideas. Instead of immediately dismissing ideas contrary to our own as heretical, we should embrace a culture of inquiry and intellectual humility.Applying Hobbes' quote and the concept of epistemic humility to the realm of contemporary issues, we discover a wellspring of relevance and practicality. In today's polarized world, public debate often becomes entrenched in the dichotomy of "right" versus "wrong," where dissenting opinions are easily labeled as heretical or dangerous. Adopting the principles of intellectual humility, however, offers an antidote to this rigidity. By recognizing the fallibility of our own worldview and embracing a spirit of openness, we can foster a more inclusive and constructive dialogue.The crux of Hobbes' quote lies in the power we ascribe to words and ideas when they are either labeled as mere opinions or heresy. By acknowledging the subjective nature of these designations, we open ourselves up to a far-reaching spectrum of intellectual exploration. When we refrain from dogmatic thinking and embrace epistemic humility, we allow the fertile ground of varying perspectives to flourish. It is through this cultivation of diverse ideas that we can achieve a more profound understanding of our world and advance towards collective progress.