From: Mark Steven Heyman (markheyman@infoproconsulting.com)
Date: Wed Oct 27 2004 - 14:25:19 BST
Hi Sam,
On 27 Oct 2004 at 10:24, Sam Norton wrote:
Wittgenstein argued that it is impossible for deceit to be built into
our most fundamental human relationships.
msh says:
I've forgotten much more Wittgenstein than I remember, I'm afraid.
I'd have to look into what he means by "fundamental human
relationships." At this point in my old age I'm having enough
trouble trying to figure out what * I * think.
sam:
If, for example, you see someone stagger in from the desert in a
state of severe dehydration, is it really the case that "you can't be
sure that someone else is thirsty just because they say so"?
msh says:
In this case there is abundant empirical evidence to support the idea
that someone else is thirsty. In fact, if he is indeed in a state of
dehydration, it is a logical necessity.
sam:
It's very much part of the Cartesian mode of understanding to make
this sort of thing questionable, and radical doubt is, itself, an
unreasonable stance.
msh says:
I'm suggesting there is a reasonable and empirical middle ground
between believing everything that's reported, and believing nothing.
sam:
If you don't understand miracles in that 'interventionist' sense (as
I don't) then the question of rational empiricism drops out.
msh says:
I guess I need to understand the sense in which you DO believe in
miracles. I'll wait to hear, but I bet it's one variation or another
of wanting to believe in order to fill a real or perceived need.
Which, BTW, I think is fine. I just think it's a mistake to believe
that everyone has the same needs.
Best,
Mark
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