Faith, Doubt, Certainty and Intellectual Discipline

Doubt may arise from a genuine unresolved argument, limited information, emotional distress or confusion between different questions. Intellectual discipline begins by stating the proposition precisely and identifying what would count as evidence for or against it. Distinguish certainty based on demonstration from confidence based on testimony, habit or probability. In the study of creed, students should examine premises fairly and avoid treating every unanswered objection as a refutation. A good discussion also distinguishes respectful inquiry from repetitive speculation that never engages the available answer.