# Principles of Reason The following form the principles of [Critical Rationalism](Critical%20Rationalism.md). These principles imply meaningful consequences when reasoning. 1. We start with: [Striving for Progress is our Most Fundamental Principle](Striving%20for%20Progress%20is%20our%20Most%20Fundamental%20Principle.md). [Progress](Progress.md) is defined as moving from [Problems](Problem.md) to better problems. The [Principle of Optimism](inbox/Principle%20of%20Optimism.md) states that all problems are due to insufficient [Knowledge](Knowledge.md). 2. In order to make [Progress](Progress.md), [We Must Seek Good Explanations](We%20Must%20Seek%20Good%20Explanations.md), for [Explanationless Progress is Impossible](Explanationless%20Progress%20is%20Impossible.md). [Rational Inquiry Requires Pursuing Good Explanations](Rational%20Inquiry%20Requires%20Pursuing%20Good%20Explanations.md). 3. [Explanations Are Justified By Their Superior Ability to Solve Problems They Address](Explanations%20Are%20Justified%20By%20Their%20Superior%20Ability%20to%20Solve%20Problems%20They%20Address.md). This is how we find [good explanations](Explanations.md#Why%20Should%20we%20seek%20good%20explanations?). Following these principles allows us to achieve [Good Reasoning](Good%20Reasoning.md) and avoid [Bad Reasoning](Bad%20Reasoning.md). ## Logical Consequences of Striving for Progress Starting from the ground let us build our way up. We start with the core principle that [we should seek progress](Striving%20for%20Progress%20is%20our%20Most%20Fundamental%20Principle.md). [Progress](Progress.md) is defined as moving from [Problems](Problem.md) to better problems. To fulfill this core principle, we must now attempt to find means of achieving progress. Any approach is fair game and can be considered. Currently, our best theory for a mechanism to move from problems to better problems is that [We Must Seek Good Explanations](We%20Must%20Seek%20Good%20Explanations.md). However, we are [fallible](Fallibilism.md) and [All Knowledge is Conjectural](All%20Knowledge%20is%20Conjectural.md). It could be that eventually we will find a better way to achieve progress than simply seeking good explanations. But at the moment that is far and away our best theory for how to achieve progress. It is superior to all of it's rivals at achieving progress. Thus, there is no "proof" that seeking good explanations is optimal approach for achieving progress. But as of today it is our best theory, our best explanation, and we are right to rely on it for that reason. [Explanations Are Justified By Their Superior Ability to Solve Problems They Address](Explanations%20Are%20Justified%20By%20Their%20Superior%20Ability%20to%20Solve%20Problems%20They%20Address.md), and generating continual progress is a real problem we face. Whatever approach solves that problem the most effectively should be that which we rely on. Of course if another theory comes along and more effectively solves the problem of achieving progress, we would be right to reconsider (reject, update, etc) our theory of seeking good explanations. A specific example of moving from problems to better problems is identified in that [Principle of Optimism](inbox/Principle%20of%20Optimism.md), which states that all evils are due to a lack of [Knowledge](Knowledge.md). In other words, our problems are due to a lack of knowledge. So we could say that in order to solve our problems and create progress, we must create knowledge. There are two known ways to create new knowledge: [Through Conjecture and Criticism and Evolution](Knowledge%20is%20Created%20Through%20Conjecture%20and%20Criticism%20and%20Evolution.md). However, [Conjecture and Criticism is Preferable to Evolution for Knowledge Creation](Conjecture%20and%20Criticism%20is%20Preferable%20to%20Evolution%20for%20Knowledge%20Creation.md). --- Date: 20250127 Links to: [Principles of Rationality](Principles%20of%20Rationality.md) Tags: References: * []()