From: Robert Owen (rowen@technologist.com)
Date: Mon Jan 24 2000 - 13:48:35 MST
J R Molloy wrote:
> From: Robert Owen <rowen@technologist.com>
> >[1] What is a "rational belief"? An example?
>
> A "rational belief" is an oxymoron. Consequently, only morons from the Occident
> can believe in them.
Certainly, but it occurs to me, J.R., that there is something very
peculiar about the human behavior of "believing in something", at
least among so-called "civilized occidentals". Excuse the personal
reference, but as nearly as I can tell I've never been able to
"believe" in anything, one way or the other. In fact, I doubt that
I even understand (can identify with, empathize with) the human
subjective state referenced by the sentence "I believe".
"Being engaged in thought" -- yes; but "being engaged in belief"?
What on earth does that mean? "I need quiet now because I'm
thinking." But -- "I need quiet now because I'm believing"!
I don't have time now to continue, but I'm inclined to think that
the word "belief" is a euphemism.
Bob
=======================
Robert M. Owen
Director
The Orion Institute
57 W. Morgan Street
Brevard, NC 28712-3659 USA
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