Predictive capacity lies in the will, not in the worldview itself
Evidence
Hence the thesis that more knowledge about social life (even if that knowledge is as well buttressed empirically as it could possibly be) equals greater control over our fate is false. It is (arguably) true about the physical world, but not about the universe of social events. — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 111 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
If he did not know, to a certain extent, what the consequences of a certain move would be, the game would be impossible; but it would also be impossible if this foresight extended indefinitely. Plato’s definition of the philosopher as he who stands between knowing and not-knowing holds for man in general. The slightest consideration shows how every single step of our life is determined and rendered possible by the fact that we perceive its consequences, and likewise because we perceive them only up to a certain point, beyond which they become confused and finally escape our vision altogether. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 785 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: The future is unknowable by definition, so prediction is only practical action.; Economic determination acts by setting limits rather than predicting specific outcomes; An acceptance of will determines the existence of the universe. — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 79 (+4 more)
Broader Connections
- Economic determination acts by setting limits rather than predicting specific outcomes
#expands(0.82) - Knowledge of social life does not produce greater control over fate
#corroborates(0.80) — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 111 - Deliberate action requires partial but not total foresight of consequences
#expands(0.78) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 785 - An acceptance of will determines the existence of the universe.
#expands(0.75) — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 79 - Worldviews require permanent organized repetition or they decay
#qualifies(0.70)