Skeptics Want to Talk About God

What does proof of love look like? In Shakespeare's play, Othello wants proof of Desdemona's love for him. Because his love for her is so vivid, so all-consuming, his life has become intolerable in its vulnerability and dependence. And being a soldier, he is not used to that. But what would firm and solid knowledge be in this situation? Iago plants a terrible thought in Othello's head suggesting that while her love may not be provable, it is surely falsifiable. Infidelity would be solid evidence of Desdemona not loving Othello – it would constitute that desperately needed "ocular proof" (act III, scene 3). And so evidence of infidelity is sought as means of anxiety reduction for Othello's furious insecurity. Thus the tragedy begins a course to its murderous conclusion.