Free inquiry reliably grows knowledge even when it cannot guarantee truth.

Evidence

If truth is unattainable, the censor cannot appeal to a higher truth as the ground for foreclosing further inquiry on a subject; but the libertarian, in resisting censorship, can appeal to the demonstrated efficacy of free inquiry in enlarging knowledge. One can doubt that we shall ever attain “truth,” but not that our knowledge is growing steadily. — Richard A. Posner, What Has Pragmatism to Offer Law?, 76

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes growing knowledge from attaining truth — a useful conceptual distinction in epistemology-of-law discussions.
• XREF: connects to: Uncertainty can be approached with curiosity instead of fear. — A guide to navigating uncertainty head-on