[MD] Reductionism

[MarshaV]

At 01:12 PM 7/7/2009, you wrote:
> > >Krimel:
> > >I would say we tend to "value" meaning or the reduction of uncertainty.
> > >Uncertainty is our constant dark companion. We dread it and fight it with
> > >the very fiber of our being.
> >
> >Marsha
> >I totally disagree with this statement, and wonder how you think to
> >generalize with the  "We".  I simply do not understand how you come
> >to this conclusion.
> >
> >[Krimel]
> >Uncertainty is THE philosophically significant realization of the past
> >century. Information Theory defines "meaning" as reduction in uncertainty.
> >I think it is a good definition and can be applied to almost any use of the
> >term.
> >
> >My understanding of our response to uncertainty is heavily influenced by
> > the religious historian Elaine Pagels.
> >
> >Whenever I say 'we' henceforth read it to mean "anyone with sufficient
> >intelligence in interest to look into it." If you feel excluded, I will
> >understand. But your constant harping on my style is juvenile.
>
>Marsha:
>And is there only one absolute way to define uncertainty?  Pagels
>isn't even mentioned in the Wikipedia page.
>
>[Krimel]
>In an interview with Bill Moyers she talked about how losing her son and
>husband in the same year influenced her understanding of her profession. She
>said that the experience of powerlessness was devastating. She believes that
>we would rather feel anything else. If prayer makes us feel like we can
>influence the divine will, then we have some power. But I think she must
>have her own wiki page.
>
>Marsha;
>It's not you Krimel.   I'm just trying to understand your, what to me
>seems strange, ideas.
>
>[Krimel]
>Well they don't seem strange to me and if you don't understand them I can
>hardly be faulted for not trying over and over again.

Marsha:
Many of your ideas seem to me strange and incorrect, but I shouldn't 
question you, right?   The fact that I am not distressed because of 
uncertainty, expect uncertainty, appreciate spontaneous experiences 
and understand the process of life depends on change just isn't worth 
mentioning.  Why should I care what Ms. Pagels says about prayer, I 
do not pray.  Isn't praying like wishing on a star?  (I find it 
better to look for right action.)  And even if Ms. Pagels 
powerlessness felt devastating, and rightfully so, why would that 
translate to all uncertainty in all times?  But never mind, your 
statements are not to be questioned.  But I wonder why should I 
accept your statement, "We dread it (uncertainty) and fight it with 
the very fiber of our being." when to my experience it is false.







"Compassion diminishes fright about your own pain and increases inner 
strength." ~His Holiness, the Dalai Lama