The First Key to Knowledge is an Acknowledgement of your own Ignorance

Nomodiphas: No, seriously, what do you think about it?

Philosophos: About what?

Nomodiphas: About all of this, about the state of the world, how its run—what is right and what is wrong and how we can fix what’s broken.

Philosophos: What on earth gave you the idea that I could answer that?

Nomodiphas: Come on you have an answer for everything, or at least a theory on everything, let’s hear what you have to say.

Philosophos: Before we begin our discussion we must first recognize and admit our limitations. Only by recognizing our limitations can we learn anything. Don’t look to me as some infallible teacher. There are some opinions and beliefs that I will have, even passionate ones, that I am wrong about. Obviously if I recognized them, I would correct them, but as of now I do not recognize them. This is a limitation shared by all humans. We are finite creatures, with finite minds, limited by time and space. No man’s knowledge is perfect or complete. This is true even with the help of God’s revealed Truth. Keep that in mind as we discuss things tonight. There are some things, there could be many things for all I know, that I am wrong about that I don’t even know I am wrong about. I will argue things both passionately and confidently, but I am sure that some beliefs I advocate are incorrect. As we discuss things do not be passive, but seek to keep a keen and discerning mind. I hope to learn from you as well. Though you have wrong beliefs as do I by having a two way discussion rather than a lecture hopefully we will be able to minimize our wrong conclusions and together come closer to the truth.

Nomodiphas: I never would have pegged you as a modern Socrates. Though it is true you have a reputation as a wise man, I figured you would be a bit surer of yourself. You have contemplated a number of issues and have well thought out opinions. I came to you to learn and I want to learn. You know my family, my connections, and my background. There is a good chance I will soon be in a position of influence. I want to understand how the world works, how it should work, and how I can help bridge that gap.

Philosophos: The Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians “anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge.” Remember this as we talk today. There is no place for pride and thinking either one of us has all the answers. We must keep in mind that we may well be wrong on a number of things for only by being humble may we ever attain true wisdom. For if we think we know all we will be prevented from the correction of our false views and will never progress beyond them. Only in humility can we receive correction and progress toward the truth. I do not doubt the likelihood that you will soon be in a position of great influence, for you have been groomed for it since birth. Still, even though you have had great teachers, they have failed you, and you know this. I perceive it is from this place of knowing their failure, knowing the shortcomings that they left you with, that you have sought me out. I admire your zeal for justice, but zeal without wisdom is dangerous. It is indeed wise of you to seek wisdom now. But tell me please why it is that you desire to see justice? From where does your passion to right the wrongs of this earth come?

Nomodiphas: To begin with you know that I am, as you are, a Christian. My faith affects the way that I live my life. It enlightens my worldview and guides my interactions with people. I want it to inform every aspect of my life and to direct the way I think about everything, especially justice for justice is the field I have passion for and it is the area I will likely work within. As for the origin of my passion for justice and my desire to see wrongs righted, I can’t explain that. I suppose it is an inborn desire. Why am I more interested in politics than painting? I have no idea. I reckon it is simply the way I’ve been made. Because of my enthusiasm for justice and the likelihood that I will be working in this area, I really want to know God’s opinion on justice and government.

Philosophos: God’s opinion on justice and government? Well, we know God’s opinion on justice: God is just because He values justice; it is a part of His character. As far as God’s opinion on government, isn’t it a bit presumptuous to assume that God has an opinion on government? Can’t one be a Republican and be a Christian just as easy as one can be a Democrat and still be a Christian?