[MD] Demanding Evidence From Theists

[John Carl]

On Thu, Jan 28, 2010 at 6:43 AM, Steven Peterson
<peterson.steve at gmail.com>wrote:

>
> So I think you have a problem if you want to define the essence of
> pragmatism as a particular theory of truth since there doesn't seem to be
> one--at least not one that works. I think it would be better to think of
> pragmatism as anti-essentialism with regard to such notions as Truth.


""The main question repeatedly considered in these essays (The Will to
Believe ) of James is explicitly the question of an empiricist, of a man
averse to abstractions, and of an essentially democratic thinker, who does
not believe that any final formulation of an ideal of human life is possible
until the last man has had his experience of life, and has uttered his word.


But this empiricism of the author is meanwhile the empiricism of one who
especially emphasizes the central importance of the *active* life as the
basis of our interpretation of experience.  Herein James differs from all
traditional positivists.  Experience is never yours merely as it comes to
you.  Facts are never mere data.  They are data to which you respond.  Your
experience is constantly transformed by your deeds. ... The simplest
perception, the most elaborate scientific theory, illustrate how man never
merely finds, but also always cooperates in creating his world."

J. Royce,

William James and the Philosophy of Life


Experience is based upon an active life - that is, a life in contact with
the source of value - the environment, Nature.    Today man has two
differing environments from which to choose - the natural environment and
the virtual environment.  The natural environment holds those patterns of
life that represent our source in their resonant harmonies - our
evolutionary roots of being.  Pirsig calls Nature "The Source of Value."

The virtual environment contains those patterns and experiences controlled
and created by the minds of men in social powers with the intent to
manipulate and subjugate.  Thus, not all experience is created equal.  For
instance, the experience of sitting on your butt in front of a tv is not
going to give you much insight into the truths of reality.

Experience can be a living, growing tree, or it can be Dead Wood.  Take your
pick.

John