The Principle of Optimism

The true idea that all problems are solvable; the attitude that it is the duty of people to seek solutions and never declare that a problem is unsolvable.

Rejection of optimism causes Stasis. Optimism is not naive — it does not say problems will be solved, only that they can be. It follows from the nature of Knowledge: since knowledge grows through Conjecture and Criticism, and there is no known limit to this process, every problem is in principle solvable.

Connections

• •Opposite of Pessimism — which claims some problems are unsolvable
• •Animates dynamic societies
• •Follows from Critical Rationalism — unlimited knowledge growth implies unlimited problem-solving
• •Drives Progress — the expectation of solutions motivates the search
• •Rejection causes Stasis
• •Does not guarantee solutions — only that they are possible
• •Error Correction is optimism in practice
• •Contradicted by Precautionary Principle, Spaceship Earth, and Principle of Mediocrity
• •Incremental change is the practical expression of optimism