Belief Systems Our beliefs are not isolated pieces of data that we can take and discard at will

Belief systems shape our understanding of reality. They are interconnected networks of ideas, not always accurate representations of truth. Examining and evolving our beliefs, while challenging, is crucial for personal growth and social progress.

A belief system is a network of beliefs that we each hold about what is, or should be, right and wrong and what is, or should be, true and false.

It is a highly though not totally coherent, system of beliefs that rely on a few underlying assumptions (core beliefs) about reality that may or may not be true. Thus it does not necessarily accurately represent reality. In fact, it never does.

Belief systems are not necessarily religious

Belief systems are often talked about as if they are solely religious in nature but they do not necessarily have to be religious or spiritual.

We have religious, political, societal, philosophical, or spiritual belief systems, among others.

What is meant by a system of beliefs?

A belief system is more than a collection of beliefs. What makes it different is that the beliefs are interconnected with one another. It is a system of beliefs.

It is a highly coherent but not totally consistent network where constituent beliefs support each other logically and largely do not contradict one another.

Given this, the adoption of a new belief or a change in an existing one is likely to affect the whole system and potentially increase the level of incoherence.

Suppose the belief that changes happens to be a deeply held core belief. In other words, it is highly connected to other beliefs whose integrity depends on it. In this case, the change is likely to be highly disruptive as many other beliefs will need to change to restore the system’s coherence.

Our beliefs are not isolated pieces of data that we can take and discard at will.

Instead, beliefs are deeply intertwined with other beliefs, shared cultural values, and our identities.

To discard a belief means discarding a whole host of other beliefs, forsaking our communities, going against those we trust and love, and in short, challenging our identities.

According to this view, is it any wonder that providing people with a little information about GMOs, vaccines, or global warming have little impact on their beliefs and attitudes?

The power that culture has over cognition just swamps these attempts at education.

Credit: Steven Sloman

By understanding the nature of our belief systems, we have the power to shape them. We should commit to regularly examining our beliefs with curiosity and courage. Through open and honest dialogue, we can expand our perspectives and build belief systems that serve us and society well.

Posts that link to this post

•  What Are Beliefs? Ideas that are held to be true but not necessarily supported by any evidence
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