Re: virus: Re: Thinking clearly about faith

MemeLab@aol.com
Mon, 15 Feb 1999 11:57:10 EST

In a message dated 2/15/99 9:22:54 AM Central Standard Time, richard@brodietech.com writes:

<< This is a powerful, mature attitude. However, rational criticism is not the
only metasystem, nor necessarily the best. >>

The best metasystems are compatible with it. Rational criticism alone does not provide justifications, but the best justificational systems are compatible with pancritical rationalism. Faith in central tenets however, is not compatible with it, unless you are fudging on your use of the word "faith", when it really means trust, or hope.

Kogawara -
Non-Justificational Rationalism</A>
http://www.law.mita.keio.ac.jp/~sehagi/kogawara3.html

Pancritical Rationalism
http://www.extropy.org/pcr.htm

In a message dated 2/15/99 9:22:54 AM Central Standard Time, richard@brodietech.com writes:

<< <<And does it really matter when the last time I questioned the validity of the scientific method or logic, or even if I have at all? As long as I hold it in principle open to rational criticism, I am not required to always rationally criticize everything. If a compelling criticism of the scientific method or logic occurs to me, I will entertain it. But being a rational person does not require me to invent criticisms of *everything*. Being a rational person does not mean that I cannot reasonably assume things, or hold things as being practically justified for now.>>

"I'm not addicted. I can quit any time.">>

Indeed quitting would be easier. It would be much easier just to operate on intuition alone. It takes more effort to subject your intuitions to rational criticism - rationally criticizing your beliefs is work. Eating Captain Crunch and watching Scooby Doo takes less effort.

In a message dated 2/12/99 7:34:26 PM Central Standard Time, richard@brodietech.com writes:

<< << Faith means not holding a representation (or belief) in
principle open to rational criticism.>>

No, I don't think that's what it means. It's more a decision to take a
position and base other parts of your worldview on it. >>

Ah, but you said that there are distinctions between faith, trust, and hope. Not all commitments must be based on faith.

-Jake