Thread by @unseen1_unseen

Dogma is a good, strong word that is not used often enough IMO. Dogma is a proscribed doctrine proclaimed as unquestionably true by a particular group. Much of our debates today are simply groups trading their dogma back and forth.

An American academic Mason Cooley said:
" Under attack, sentiments harden into dogma"

That seems correct to me. You name the issue and you can find the talking point....I mean dogma attached to it.

Now, I'm not saying all dogma is wrong. It's just that there is no questioning the dogma ever. If you do question the dogma you might be lucky to escape being burned alive. However, science isn't about dogma it's about questioning.

Let's go back to that quote again.

"Under attack, sentiments harden into dogma."

Sentiments might be a little unclear. So let's define it:

Sentiment: a thought, view, or attitude, especially one based mainly on emotion instead of reason:

Notice, it doesn't say "facts"

So another way of saying the quote would be

"When your views, opinions, and thoughts are attacked, you proclaim those views, opinions and thoughts as unquestionably true."

For instance you might start sprouting nonsense like "It's settled science, you filthy denier" even when it isn't

Or maybe something like

"Tarrifs are bad, they are are tax on consumers" no matter the actual evidence

Or a hundred other examples.

We all use dogma at times. It's just human nature. No one likes to have their views constantly attacked or questioned. It's one reason why science is such a draw. Using objective facts allows one to exchange dogma for reasoned debate.

Of course, those that love dogma and the ability to censor debate can spin facts or push subjective results in science experiments to strengthen their dogma. The old saying "lies, damned lies and statistics" comes to mind here.

Dogma has been around since the birth of man and will be around until humans are extinct. There is no avoiding it unless maybe you are a hermit and never have a conversation with another human. It can be lessened with open minds and a desire to find the truth.

Some subjects lend themselves to a greater degree of dogma then others. Religion is one that most people think of when they hear the word but there are others like economics political science, journalism, health and fitness, nutrition, etc.

It's usually the few that question the dogma that become the change agents in a group/society. We should never just blindly follow/accept the dogma without verifying that there is a basis for that dogma. If the facts/evidence shows the dogma is justified, fine if dont change.

Its easier said than done but still we should make the effort and we should be thankful for those that have questioned dogma at times. It allows us to change and advance as a person and as a society. Censoring those people never ends well.

So, dogma. It's all around us. It will always be around us. It's a good, strong word and should be used more often so we are more aware of our usage of unquestionable talking points and belief systems.