Hi Erin:
> PLATT: So when I run across self-contradictory assertions like,
> "There are no >absolutes," a red flag goes up in my mind about the quality
> of the >intellectual argument being made.
>
> ERIN: I can see why, it would for me too. I never even considered myself a
> postmodernist (I am not sure if I do now either) I just don't like seeing
> something oversimplified and I feel like you are doing it to postmodernism.
> I already explained my personal view that there are different types of
> postmodernists, ones opinions i find valuable and ones I don't. You
> consistently ignore the distinction I make and keep giving me arguments
> about the type I don't find value in. I am starting to feel trying to tell
> you about postmodernists is what Pirsig describes as trying to tell
> somebody about Indians, I can't you already know..
If I have misread your statements, I apologize, but I don't recall your
telling us about your views of postmodernism which I see as being
based on the following fundamental beliefs:
.Denial of ultimate principles.
.Truth relative to each person, so no truth better than another.
.Reality not a mirror of independent reality but individually constructed.
Are there other beliefs/opinions you value that are postmodern?
> >ERIN: "To me it is a very logical statement to say you can't prove
> >anything to
> >me you can only show me evidence that supports or refutes a
> >statement. What the heck is illogical about that."
> >
> > PLATT:Nothing at all. I agree. The only way I can hope to prove something
> >to you is to say, "See for yourself." (Another insight I stole from Wilber.)
> >
> ERIN: I am glad we can agree about something. I do see the irony that I am
> trying to see an absolute by trying to see the most objective perspective
> even though I am uncertain there is an absolute. I guess I view the odds of
> an absolute as 50/50 but I am also enjoy gambling... > >
The absolute of logic is A is A. Once that equation is denied there's no
defense against irrationality. That's why some postmodernists are so
adamant about insisting "there are no absolutes," and why the edifice
of science, built on rationality, is attacked as a tool of oppression . . .
part of an overall attack on universal principles. (I admit to once
proposing that A = A be changed to A = Quality, but without much
applause.)
Looking forward to learning about those opinions of postmodernists
you find valuable.
Platt
P.S. Would you accept as an absolute that you were born? Or is that
also a 50-50 proposition? Rick would no doubt insist your birth was
provisional.
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