Re: Use of the Extropian Principles

From: Pat Fallon (pfallon@ptd.net)
Date: Fri May 24 2002 - 09:00:17 MDT


> I'm quite serious. Scientific method, logical thought, and pan-critical
> rationality are intended to point out illogical thought processes. When
> people express a proposed sequence of thoughts, they can be
> scientifically and mathematically critiqued. Internal errors and
> inconsistencies can be identified objectively and specifically.
> Otherwise, what did you think the tools of Rational Thinking were for?

So far I agree.

> What do you think "Rational Thinking" is seeking if not truth?

I agree with Karl Popper who argues that instead of asking "how do I know
I'm right?" [or "how do I know I've arrived at The Truth?"]; it is more
productive to ask "how do I detect and correct error?"

There are many sources of human knowledge, but none has authority. All
theories are tentative. Popper argues that a propper scientific theory
makes testable predictions; it is falsifiable.

Man is not infallible, therefore it is important to be able to detect and
correct error.

Just my 2 cents.

Pat Fallon
pfallon@ptd.net



This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Sat Nov 02 2002 - 09:14:19 MST