I will illustrate my question with several examples involving 3 individuals: A, B, C.
Example 1: The shape of the Earth
- A defends the claim that the Earth is round.
- B defends the claim that the Earth is flat.
- C is epistemically open to all possibilities, and doesn't want to commit the Holmesian fallacy, so decides to withhold judgement.
Example 2: The existence of God
- A defends the claim that God does exist.
- B defends the claim that God does not exist.
- C, once again, prefers to remain epistemically open-minded, so decides to withhold judgement.
Example 3: The universe was created 5 minutes ago with the appearance of age
- A believes this is nonsense.
- B believes this is actually the case.
- C withholds judgement ("you never know").
Example 4: Consciousness can be reduced to Physics
- A believes consciousness is reducible to Physics.
- B believes consciousness is not reducible (there must be something beyond Physics).
- C withholds judgement.
Example 5: Murdering other people is objectively wrong
- A believes so.
- B believes morality is ultimately subjective, so disagrees.
- C withholds judgement.
Is C's position always the most rational?
Should we always withhold judgement?
Or is "withholding judgement" a position that needs to be defended as well (i.e., with a burden of proof of its own)?