Doubt is the Key to Knowledge

Doubt is an important part of acting ethically.  Doubt is what causes us to stop and ask ourselves –

Is this really such a good idea?

Doubt motivates us to seek the information we need to make an informed decision when faced with an ethical dilemma.  In this way, to quote a Persian proverb, Doubt is the Key to Knowledge. It causes us to question what we think we know.

Yet unresolved doubt is toxic.  Unless doubt is addressed, one feels like a boat being tossed at sea – driven first one way and then another by the waves.  One feels unsettled and unfocused.  A decision needs to be made in order to move forward.

The role of codes of ethics is to help us resolve doubt.  Codes of ethics provide rules to help professionals make ethical decisions in the face of doubt and uncertainty.

 Related Resources:

Click here to go to a blog post discussing the role of doubt in making informed decisions on emerging technologies.