Epistemic Humility of the Founding Fathers

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The founding fathers, including James Madison and Ben Franklin, exhibited epistemic humility by being open to changing their minds. Madison, on his deathbed, expressed his will to change his opinion. This willingness to adapt and acknowledge that they could be wrong is a trait admired by the speaker. Ben Franklin shared a story illustrating the human tendency to believe we are always right, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our fallibility. The idea of epistemic humility and flexible thinking inspired by the founding fathers serves as a reminder to reconsider our perspectives and remain open-minded.

What does it mean to live Constitutionally in the year 2024? For a start, it means getting off social media. It also means swapping a quill pen for your keyboard, and candlelight for electricity. And don't forget the tricorn hat and musket--though maybe skip the boiled mutton. Join author A.J. Jacobs as he deep-dives with EconTalk's Russ Roberts into the centuries-old principles of the U.S. Constitution and tries to apply them to the current day. Topics include the original conceptions of our most cherished amendments, the office of the President, and the Supreme Court, and an explanation of how one can be an originalist and still believe in gender equity. Jacobs also shares his family's experience writing its own constitution, and explains why his research made him more optimistic about the future of American democracy.