From: Chris Russo (extropy@russo.org)
Date: Mon Feb 19 2001 - 12:18:12 MST
At 10:40 -0500 2/19/01, Michael Wiik wrote:
>I agree totally, but can anyone name any group whatsoever where this
>doesn't apply? I'm sure we all know what 'groups like PETA' means, after
>all, it's part of our dogma.
I know that we all gloss over irrationalities in our own philosophies
to some extent, since it's basic human nature. In order to achieve
any coherence of thought, human beings can't constantly question
every notion they've ever had.
That's why it's good to have reminders, like Extropians principle #7.
We need to be ever vigilant against falling into the trap of
accepting our own logical inconsistencies.
I think that it's fair to say that some groups hold on to rationality
more than others. Look at the scientific community researching
genetics. They just had their apple carts completely upset with the
discovery that we have far fewer genes than had been previously
suspected. What did they do, ignore the issue? Attack those who
dared contradict their preconceptions? No, for the most part they
just said, "holy shit", and have started to wrap their minds around
the new concept. Here's an op ed from Stephen Jay Gould:
<http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/19/opinion/19GOUL.html>
Regards,
Chris Russo
--
"If anyone can show me, and prove to me, that I am wrong in thought
or deed, I will gladly change. I seek the truth, which never yet
hurt anybody. It is only persistence in self-delusion and ignorance
which does harm."
-- Marcus Aurelius, MEDITATIONS, VI, 21
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