How can we be so sure...

One of the classic questions in philosophy concerns certainty. How is it that we know what we know? Can we prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that which we believe? What of our knowledge is beyond skepticism?

In essence, how can we be so sure...

The usual epistemic (fancy adjective meaning knowledge related) strategy is to seek logical support. Now, depending on the particular philosopher, the logic is founded in different spheres. Some desire systematic sensory evidence (we call those ones empiricists). Others want to use the depths of the human mind and spirit to summon basic principles (rationalists). Generally speaking, even though these philosophers may really disagree on the kind of justification needs, they all agree that such justification is needed.

I support belief justification... but I also know another way to increase confidence in a belief, although professing it may in fact make me a poor philosopher.

Courage.

Want certainty? Get some. Sometimes we do not solidly hold our beliefs because they are misshapen or unjustified. Sometimes we waver because we are weak. It takes courage to defend an idea that comes under assault, and it takes courage to act on an idea when the stakes are high.

Be wary. Courage without any skeptical mechanism is unguided fanaticism. This can cause problems of a different ilk. Its important to have some skepticism if you want to prevent yourself from doing bad.

But you need courage to do good.