Distinctions

Is

  • Uncertainty about the truth of a belief
  • Suspicion that a claim may be false
  • Questioning the reliability of something
  • Loss of confidence in a decision
  • Internal hesitation about whether something is correct
  • A weakening of belief in an assumption
  • Second-guessing a prior judgment
  • Feeling unsure whether to continue a course of action
  • Mental friction about the validity of a belief
  • A destabilizing uncertainty about commitment

Is Not

  • Curiosity
  • Skepticism (lacking established belief or commitment)
  • Critical thinking
  • Ignorance
  • Confusion
  • Risk awareness
  • Prudence
  • Humility
  • Open-mindedness
  • Lack of information

Boundary

Doubt occurs when an existing belief or commitment becomes unstable.

Doubt: Uncertainty directed at an existing belief, assumption, or commitment Not Doubt: Exploration, evaluation, or uncertainty before a belief or commitment has formed

Systems

Relationships

RelationshipConceptRationale
ErodesDisciplineDoubt destabilizes the commitment required for discipline.

Perspectives