Originally published on April 3, 2023 (Episode 310)
Introduction
We say historical thinking cultivates intellectual humility. But what do we really mean by that—and why does it matter now?
Kicking off an occasional series on humility, I’m joined by philosopher Michael Patrick Lynch, whose work maps our predicament: we carry oceans of information in our pockets yet often mistake access for understanding. Drawing from his book The Internet of Us and Know-It-All Society, Lynch explains epistemic dependence—how we all rely on others for most of what we “know”—and why that dependence, amplified by platforms, makes us vulnerable to overconfidence, polarization, and manipulation.
We explore the difference between conviction and arrogance; the habits that foster humility (curiosity, defeasibility, perspective-taking); and concrete ways to teach and practice it: slowing down, auditing our sources, and arguing to learn rather than “win.” We end with a challenge exercise—answer everyday questions without the internet—to surface the social scaffolding of our knowledge and to reconnect method with modesty.
About the Guest
Michael Patrick Lynch is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut and Director of the UConn Humanities Institute. His books include The Nature of Truth, The Internet of Us, and Know-It-All Society.
For Further Investigation
Michael P. Lynch, The Internet of Us: Knowing More and Understanding Less in the Age of Big Data (Liveright, 2016)
—, Know-It-All Society: Truth and Arrogance in Political Culture (Liveright, 2019)
Lynch’s TED Talk: “How to see past your own perspective and find truth”
Michael Lynch, “Conviction and Humility” in The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Humility
The Historical Thinking Series: an introduction to historical thinking, as well as a series of conversations with historians about the various “moves” of historical thinking, from asking questions to sourcing to narrative.
Lynch’s “no-internet” exercise—answer the following questions without using the internet. You may use a book from a library, or call a person
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
Compare the efficiencies of 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors
What is the phone number of your US representative?
What is the best-reviewed restaurant in Austin, Texas, this week?
💬 Listen & Discuss
When does conviction become arrogance? How do you build humility into your research, classroom, or civic life? What did Lynch’s no-internet exercise reveal about your own epistemic habits? Share your takeaways—and send this to someone who’s certain they’re never wrong.
