Infalibility

Infallibility refers to the quality of being absolutely trustworthy and incapable of making errors. It suggests a state of immunity from mistakes, falsehoods, or failure. This concept often applies to judgments, pronouncements, or systems that are considered flawless and unerring, particularly in matters of belief, knowledge, or action. The idea of infallibility implies a complete and unwavering reliability, indicating a certainty that decisions or statements are correct and beyond the possibility of being mistaken. It is often a claim asserted in religious, philosophical, or legal contexts, suggesting an unquestionable authority or truth.

Infalibility meaning with examples

• The Pope's pronouncements on matters of faith are often considered with the context of infallibility, ensuring that he is speaking the word of God. The faithful are expected to take his word with reverence.
• Skeptics question the infallibility of any human-led system, pointing to historical instances of errors, misjudgments, or biased information as reasons to exercise critical thinking.
• A judge's infallibility is tested every time they hand down a sentence. Their ruling is not always fair but are hoped to always be just.
• The scientific method seeks to overcome flaws, but the absolute infallibility of any one theory is difficult to ensure, since new knowledge constantly emerges.
• Though often pursued, many philosophers dispute the idea of complete infallibility of any human thought or action, emphasizing fallibility as a natural human trait.