[MD] subject / object logic

[Ham Priday]

Hi Marsha --


> How do you get from epistemology to "the very purpose
> of human existence?"  Purpose?  How do you make such a leap?

Interesting question.  You know, I wondered myself, after typing that reply 
to David, whether I had short-circuited the loop between the "how" and the 
"why".  I decided I had not.  All I really did was outline an epistemology 
for value-perception, and then ask if that concept might also suggest a 
purpose for man's existence.  It's a related question, but I don't believe I 
forced the issue, even though I'll admit that purpose (teleology) is always 
a goal to be pursued.

> Have you had an experience of such a leap?

I'm not sure.  I may have made an intuitive leap in constructing this 
ontology.  But how does one experience an "intuitive leap"?  The philosopher 
doesn't deal with empirical reality, so theoretical "breakthroughs" can't be 
compared with experiential knowledge.

> Is there a logic for such a leap?   Is such a leap necessary?  If so, why?

I think there is logic in my conclusions.  What I've proposed is a cogent 
theory supported by  propositions that are consistent with the conclusion. 
Since traditional logic is applicable only within a relational system, one 
can't furnish "logical proof" for a non-relational hypothesis.  That, 
unfortunately, is a limitation of intuition as applied to metaphysics.

As for whether such a leap is "necessary", that depends on how serious you 
are in resolving the enigma of existence.  I think most people reach a 
certain plateau in their understanding of reality, and leave it for others 
to explain the rest.  Some are resigned to the ineffability of the unknown, 
and are content to live out their lives as if it had no meaning or purpose. 
As you see, I refuse to accept life at face value, even in the realization 
that we can never have empirical certainty for our convictions.

What it all boils down to is that philosophy is ultimately an individual 
matter.  We are guided along the way by perspectives that may or may not 
conform to our own, and most of us arrive at some
philosophical conclusion, whether we express them publicly or not.

Thanks for your penetrating insight, Marsha.  I hope I've answered your 
questions.

Essentially yours,
Ham