The Fundamental Unit of Thinking

The fundamental unit of thinking is the troika of question, answer, and foundation. They are the sub-atomic particles that form the nucleus of a conception. The sub-atomic particles that form the nucleus of a conception do not carry the same persuasive force. A question and an answer are neutral particles. They do not carry any persuasive force. A foundation is a charged particle. It is the particle that carries the persuasive force. An answer to a question derives its strength from its foundation. A weak foundation begets a weak answer; a strong foundation begets a strong answer. Foundations run the gamut from sand to rock (Matthew 7:24-27). The weakest of foundations is authority. The strongest foundation is intimate contact with the truth itself. Authority is no substitute for intimate contact with the truth itself. Intimate contact with the truth itself packs the strongest persuasive punch. It gives our rationality a powerful wallop.

In a conflict between a proposition grounded on authority and a proposition grounded on intimate contact with the truth, the proposition supported by intimate contact with the truth wins all of the time. A proposition whose foundation is authority does not survive a conflict with a proposition whose foundation is intimate contact with the truth.

The only way to undermine a conclusion is to defeat its foundation.

When a conclusion is divorced from its foundation, it has no persuasive force - none whatsoever. For instance, often is it said, especially by a priest during Mass, that the most Holy Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life' (CCC 1324). Yet, seldom is an explanation attempted as to why. By making such a claim without including its foundation, the claim falls flat on its face. Just because a proposition is asserted does not mean that it is true. Like Thomas, we need proof to believe. “… Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). We don’t take someone else’s word especially a witness who is not an eyewitness. Hearsay isn’t persuasive.