Fallibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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fallibility

 

[fælˈɪbɪlɪti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

human nature

Fallibility refers to the tendency of humans to make mistakes or be wrong. It acknowledges that everyone has limitations and can fail in judgment or action. This concept is essential in various fields such as philosophy, psychology, and science, as it emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous improvement. Recognizing fallibility can lead to better decision-making and more robust analysis, as it fosters an open-minded approach to understanding and correcting errors.

Synonyms

fragility, imperfection, infallibility (antonym).

Examples of usage

  • Scientists acknowledge their fallibility when proposing new theories.
  • His fallibility is a reminder that no one is perfect.
  • The leader's fallibility allowed for more collaborative discussions.
  • Understanding our fallibility helps us learn from mistakes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'fallibilis', which means 'able to deceive' or 'liable to fail'.
  • The prefix 'fall' signifies 'to fail' in some form, linking the word to the idea of making errors.

Philosophy

  • Fallibility is a key concept in epistemology, the study of knowledge, which examines the limits of what we can know.
  • Philosophers like Karl Popper argued that human knowledge is inherently fallible and constantly evolving.

Psychology

  • Understanding fallibility helps humans accept their errors and leads to personal growth.
  • Studies show that acknowledging our fallibility can foster empathy towards others who make mistakes.

Literature

  • Many literary characters illustrate fallibility, making them relatable to readers.
  • Authors often explore themes of human imperfection, showcasing the struggles and growth that come with making mistakes.

Education

  • In learning environments, embracing fallibility encourages a growth mindset where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
  • Educators often teach students that fallibility is a natural part of the learning process.

Translations

Translations of the word "fallibility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falibilidade

🇮🇳 त्रुटि

🇩🇪 Fehlerhaftigkeit

🇮🇩 keterbatasan

🇺🇦 непомильність

🇵🇱 omylność

🇯🇵 誤りやすさ

🇫🇷 faillibilité

🇪🇸 falibilidad

🇹🇷 hata yapabilme

🇰🇷 실수 가능성

🇸🇦 قابل الخطأ

🇨🇿 omylność

🇸🇰 omylosť

🇨🇳 出错的可能性

🇸🇮 napakljivost

🇮🇸 villuleika

🇰🇿 қателіктерге бейімділік

🇬🇪 შეცდომების შესაძლებლობა

🇦🇿 səhv etmə potensialı

🇲🇽 falibilidad

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,698, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.