Skip to content

Consider the case of a person who holds a view with…

“Consider the case of a person who holds a view with probability 1. Then coherence says that it is no use having a debate with them because nothing will change their mind.” quote by Dennis Lindley
Download Open image
“Consider the case of a person who holds a view with probability 1. Then coherence says that it is no use having a debate with them because nothing will change their mind.”

Dennis Lindley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Holding absolute certainty makes dialogue futile because no evidence can shift a belief held with probability one.

In simple terms: Absolute certainty blocks productive debate.

Key Takeaway

Encourage openness to evidence.

Themes

certaintyainty debate epistemology probability dialogue

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • academic discussion
  • policy making
  • personal disagreements

Key Concepts

Bayesian reasoning cognitive bias critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs do you hold too firmly?
  • How can you foster constructive dialogue?
A Different Perspective

Even with certainty, new data can emerge; flexibility matters.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Dennis Lindley

Explore all 12 Dennis Lindley quotes

More Cases quotes

Browse all 6,420 Cases quotes