Item 1 in Truth By Reason Master Ethical Code

Seek Truth Honestly

Form beliefs in proportion to reliable evidence, distinguish knowledge from assumption, and revise conclusions when better evidence appears.

Position
1
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Everyone
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Seek Truth Honestly

Source wording

<p>Form beliefs in proportion to reliable evidence, distinguish knowledge from assumption, and revise conclusions when better evidence appears.</p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Form beliefs in proportion to reliable evidence, distinguish knowledge from assumption, and revise conclusions when better evidence appears.

Broader interpretation

Honest inquiry protects people from manipulation, dogma and confident error. It requires intellectual humility as well as courage.

Practical meaning

Form beliefs in proportion to reliable evidence, distinguish knowledge from assumption, and revise conclusions when better evidence appears.

Ethical purpose

Honest inquiry protects people from manipulation, dogma and confident error. It requires intellectual humility as well as courage.

Modern application

Apply this principle to personal conduct, organisations and public policy, with particular attention to people and beings who carry the greatest risks while holding the least power.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle may conflict with other duties. It should therefore be applied with evidence, proportionality, role reversal, attention to power and review of foreseeable consequences.

Truth By Reason analysis

Honest inquiry protects people from manipulation, dogma and confident error. It requires intellectual humility as well as courage.

Sources