Epistemic Humility Across Knowledge Systems

Sor Juana engaged with Indigenous, Christian, Classical, and scientific knowledge systems with genuine curiosity rather than hierarchical judgment. She held her own convictions while respecting the wisdom embedded in traditions not her own. Epistemic humility across traditions means rejecting both false universalism (my way is the only right way) and radical relativism (all traditions are equally valid in all contexts). For authenticity, this requires confidence in your own reasoning combined with the wisdom to recognize that other traditions may contain truths your own doesn't fully capture. When encountering contradictions between traditions, this practice suggests examining what each reveals rather than forcing false synthesis. It involves asking: What does this tradition understand that mine doesn't? Where might I be blind? This prevents both arrogance and self-erasure in cross-traditional living.