Embracing Uncertainty

“But what does a particle care if we are observing it or not?” ― Carlo Rovelli, Helgoland

The interconceptualist mindset and philosophy start with a simple, profound idea: the only certainty is uncertainty. This saying, derived from Socrates and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, embodies the humility that sits at the heart of both philosophy and science. If you’re unfamiliar with either- don’t worry, we have your back. Known as one of the founders of philosophy and scientific thought, Socrates approached the world with rigorous logic, relentless questioning, and boundless curiosity.

While the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle deals with indeterminacy in the world of physical science- Socrates deals with the subjective uncertainty that we have in our everyday existence. Let’s focus on the subjective for now, and dive into the world of Quantum Mechanics another time.

What’s fascinating about Socrates is that he didn’t write anything down himself. Everything we know about him comes to us through Plato. There’s even disagreement over whether Socrates was entirely real, or where Socrates ended and Plato began. Many philosophers believe Plato eventually used Socrates as a kind of puppet to push his own ideas. This uncertainty over Socrates’ existence mirrors the very idea he is most famous for: I know that I know nothing.

In The Apology, Plato attributes these words to Socrates: “For I was conscious that I knew practically nothing.” This acknowledgment of uncertainty is where I believe the beauty of meaning and subjectivity lie. Yes, uncertainty causes doubt—but it also brings us together. Our shared understanding of reality connects us, but our shared ignorance of reality should connect us too. Together, uncertainty isn’t as scary. Not knowing isn’t as scary because, as a collective, the more we share what we know and agree on what we’ve figured out, the better we are at adapting, surviving, and flourishing.

However, there’s a danger we must guard against: the belief that we can be absolutely certain about anything. The interconceptualist philosophy reminds us that when we believe we are certain, we risk becoming blind to the things that truly matter. We can miss crucial details. I think of it like a detective who decides, prematurely, who they think the criminal is—ignoring the evidence because they’ve already made up their mind. In movies, this leads to chaos, but in reality, it can result in injustice: an innocent person on trial, unnecessary costs, and a criminal who goes free.

Good detectives don’t let their assumptions guide them. They question those assumptions constantly, especially when new information comes to light. This is how they ensure accuracy and avoid costly mistakes. And it’s how we, too, should approach the world—questioning what we think we know and staying open to new evidence.

An important principle in the interconceptualist framework: question your assumptions. It’s not foolproof, and it takes effort, but the more you practice questioning your assumptions, the easier it becomes—and, honestly, the more fun. Testing your assumptions can lead to clarity. If they hold up, they’re no longer just assumptions—they’re grounded in evidence. And if they don’t, then you’ve avoided building on something unstable. Either way, you’ve freed yourself to act with confidence.

Socrates exemplifies this. His argument was simple: we can’t know anything for certain. Even when he believed he knew something, he questioned himself. He showed us what scientific and philosophical humility looks like. That’s why I think many people are drawn to his ideas—and why I like to think he was real. It takes a strong person to live like that, constantly challenging their beliefs and staying open to change. Am I certain he was real? Not at all- but that still wouldn’t change my mind about this topic. The advice is solid.

Truth is always provisional. If all we have are assumptions, then we must verify that they hold up—but we must also recognize they may not hold up forever. This doesn’t mean living in constant doubt or having no foundation. It means building a foundation strong enough to support you but flexible enough to change when new information tells you there’s a better way forward. Only then can you be ready for what’s uncertain in life- and you will have a leg up on those that are certain that the old way is still the best.