Re: MD Quality as such or Dynamic Quality?

From: Sam Norton (elizaphanian@kohath.wanadoo.co.uk)
Date: Wed Apr 13 2005 - 13:50:19 BST

  • Next message: Sam Norton: "Re: MD Access to Quality"

    Hi Steve,

    > Sam, definition is fine if we allow for multiple paradigms to be equally
    > valid. Euclid's geometry is probably the most useful geometrical paradigm
    > we have. Where this model applies we can certainly use axioms /
    > definitions
    > to build up useful theorems in quite a formal way. And, as we know, for
    > other frames of reference we need other geometries. <snip>
    > Definition is cleaner than example; it has sharp boundaries. For that
    > reason it is a higher quality intellectual tool, we just need to recognize
    > its limitations.

    Fine. Although the point I would want to make is that it is the use which
    comes first; definitions are (mostly) derivative from the practices in which
    they gain their sense.

    Thanks for the pointer to Julia Annas, I'll chase that up. If you're
    interested in the conversation on Orpheus that DMB and I have been having
    intermittently for the last few years, you might be interested in Peter
    Kingsley's book "Ancient Philosophy, mystery and magic" which is most
    illuminating.

    <snip> If we expand the
    > method being demonstrated from one assumed all-encompassing paradigm to
    > all
    > paradigms that apply (all of which have limitations) then we've salvaged a
    > useful tool while recognizing its limitations and maintained that honest
    > spirit that desires to know and experience that's crucial to living the
    > good
    > life. I don't know who coined it but the phase 'creative discontent'
    > comes
    > to mind.

    "that honest spirit" - exactly so. Truth as a way of life, not as an
    intellectual construct. That was Aquinas' position - but I'm just doing a
    bit of revision on that.

    Cheers
    Sam

    MOQ.ORG - http://www.moq.org
    Mail Archives:
    Aug '98 - Oct '02 - http://alt.venus.co.uk/hypermail/moq_discuss/
    Nov '02 Onward - http://www.venus.co.uk/hypermail/moq_discuss/summary.html
    MD Queries - horse@darkstar.uk.net

    To unsubscribe from moq_discuss follow the instructions at:
    http://www.moq.org/md/subscribe.html

    This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Wed Apr 13 2005 - 21:09:01 BST