Epistemic trespassing is a term coined by philosopher Nathan Ballantyne, who examined the tendency of individuals to assert authority or offer judgments in areas outside their expertise. It captures a common human inclination: speaking confidently on topics we’re not truly qualified to evaluate. A trait we witness often while not realising that it is happening.
This blog engages with a related dilemma. We live in a world shaped by complex, urgent issues that affect all of us. While few of us have the specialized knowledge to offer definitive answers, we still have to navigate these challenges, form opinions, and make choices. epistemictrespass embraces that tension – acknowledging the uncertainty, while striving to think honestly and carefully through it.
Writing has always been my way of thinking things through. It helps me shape my thoughts, recognize contradictions, uncover gaps, and discover questions I didn’t know I had. This blog is an attempt to do that in public to let others take part in that process.
I chose to make this space public because I’ve come to value voices of Commentators, podcasters, activists, and politicians that make me think, especially if I do not agree with them. If any part of what I write manages to do the same for someone else, then this blog will have served its purpose.
EpistemicTrespass 