[Rationality vs. Authority] Versus [Rationality + Authority]

The list of precepts for rationality runs up against Chap. 6 ’s paradox that is nonetheless central to the essay. It seems that rational agents seek both independence of thought while rationality demands they seek conformity with widely accepted, determinately rational views. The physicist accepts that one must know quite a bit of what is currently accepted in physics, but also gets strong hunches that certain matters involved just may not jive, one part with the other. This chapter singles out this one highly unstable precept among the 12 for special attention because it does seem the two halves of the paradox cannot be reconciled.