@woozle I was just going to ping you into this thread.

Do your own research (DYOR) seems to me a sophistical retort as typically used. I was just checking to see if Issuepedia had a similar entry, though it doesn't seem to: https://issuepedia.org/mw/index.php?search=do+your+own+research&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go

What DYOR does is:

• Deny the validity of reputable or accepted sources.
• Put all sources on equivalent footing.
• Impose an undue burden on the audience.
• Relieve the source from having to be dilligent, reliable, or credible themselves. "We report, you decide."

Trust is an essential component of any epistomological system. Each individual member cannot individually verify all facts independently. Trust is the extension of belief beyond, but not in opposition to, evidence.

The etymological root of trust is the PIE root *deru- "strong, firm, steadfast", which I find illuminating. https://www.etymonline.com/word/trust

This isn't to say that spot verification or presentation of refuting evidence is unnecessary or bad. Both are good practices. But there's a difference between "question everything" (implied: "at all times"), and "Be prepared to question everything."

Trust saves a phenomenal level of effort, at a small and controllable level of risk. Where trust is found to be unwarranted, it is withdrawn. Those promoting DYOR very often rely on absolutely untrustworthy sources.

@vortex_egg

#trust #epistemology #issuepedia #dyor #DoYourOwnResearch #sophistry