RE: MD What comes first?

From: Jonathan B. Marder (jonathan.marder@newmail.net)
Date: Mon Sep 01 2003 - 07:09:52 BST

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    Hi David, Ian and all,

    dmb:
     Here's what I'm thinking. The
    expression "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" refers to a gravity
    defying act. Translating that into a philosophical context seems to suggest
    that that bootstrapping is a solution to a problem with metaphysical
    foundations or starting points. I'm still guessing at this point, but
    something tells me that it must be different and more specific than just a
    starting assumption. It is a word used by those who insist there is no
    ground to stand upon, no?

    Jonathan replies:
    David, you are correct. It means that in the absence of certainty, you start
    with some assumptions (axioms) and see how they pan out.
    Gödel showed that when you try and underpin your axioms, you keep digging
    but never reach the bedrock.

    Jonathan

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