Becoming a Student.

A core tension in the pursuit of knowledge is the balance between open inquiry and the influence of preconceived beliefs. A true researcher must be driven by curiosity and a commitment to uncovering truth through factual evidence and not by clinging to preconceived notions or claiming absolute certainty. 

Let’s break this down:

Bias and Belief: A researcher who starts with a firm belief—whether that something is true or false—risks confirmation bias, where they selectively interpret evidence to support their stance. This undermines the scientific method, which relies on formulating hypotheses, testing them rigorously, and remaining open to unexpected results. For example, a researcher studying climate change who assumes it’s entirely human-caused might overlook natural factors, while one denying human influence might ignore clear data on emissions. Both are hindered by bias. Similarly in religion, when a researcher already starts with a certain perspective or belief, there are more chances of biased findings/results. Therefore, both 'anti- and pro-' stances will hinder the accuracy and genuineness of the research and the best way is to begin with no set ideology in order to seek truth. 

Claiming Absolute Truth: Someone who claims to already know the truth—whether they’re called a scholar, peer, or expert (in South Asian context 'babas & Gurus' included)—can fall into dogmatism. This is especially problematic in fields where knowledge evolves, like medicine or physics. History shows this: Ptolemy’s geocentric model was accepted as truth for centuries, but Copernicus and Galileo challenged it through observation and evidence. Dogmatism stifles such progress. A researcher must embrace uncertainty and be willing to revise their understanding. As Bertrand Russell says, "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong".

The Ideal Researcher: A good researcher embodies skepticism and humility. They ask questions, design experiments or studies to test hypotheses, and let data guide conclusions. They also acknowledge the limits of current knowledge. For instance, in quantum physics, researchers like Niels Bohr embraced uncertainty as a fundamental principle, leading to breakthroughs that rigid certainty would have blocked. And this applies to every field of knowledge especially to Religion because it proposes to cover wholistic knowledge of everything.

Scholar vs. Researcher: Titles like “scholar” and the act of research must be distinguished here. A scholar might be an expert in existing knowledge but not necessarily an active seeker of new truths. The problem arises when expertise becomes a shield for dogma, as seen in cases like the initial resistance to plate tectonics theory in the early 20th century. Researchers, by contrast, must remain dynamic, questioning even established “truths.”

To avoid these pitfalls, researchers can:

- Use blind or double-blind studies to minimize bias.

- Publish methodologies and data openly for peer scrutiny.

And the most important steps would be to:

- Actively seek out contradictory evidence to challenge their hypotheses.

- Engage with diverse perspectives to broaden their inquiry.

Ultimately, the essence of research lies in the pursuit of truth through evidence, not in defending a position or claiming to have arrived at final answers. Dogmatism is the enemy of discovery, and a true researcher stays open to being wrong.