Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 16:37:00 -0800 Subject: Re: Paralogy Huechroma-AT-aol.com wrote: Don, Here is the paragraph from your paper: "In this regard, there are some who would replace instrumental reason with what might be called a more substantive rationality, one that would allow for indeterminacy and <<<<<<<<<<<<not insist on some ultimate “word, presence, essence, truth or reality to act as the foundation of all thought, language and experience”.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This new rationality although acknowledging the interconnectedness of things, would not insist that all things exist within a field of cause-effect relationships. Meanings would be continuously negotiated, not with the restricted boundaries of positivist logic but within a radical paradigm; radical in the sense that it would insist on a reflexivity that recognizes the contingent nature of knowledge.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I added brackets around the words I commented on. As stated above, "a more substantive rationality would not insist..." I favor the "more substantive rationality" over the: ...ultimate “word, presence, essence, truth or reality to act as the foundation of all thought, language and experience... I think you were speaking of philosophers when you wrote the last two lines, but I feel the statement illustrates the methods of fascist dictators in controlling minds and bodies of those they rule. So that is my opinion, and I'll be glad to explain further my understanding of the words I write. I agree that dictionary terms are only a starting point for understanding the meaning of words with which we talk to ourselves and each other. I selected the definitions I posted from many alternatives. Some instances of indeterminacy of meaning may be "paralogic" in loosening up a consideration of alternatives, advancing open discussion and reaching at least a tentative determination in a postmodern version of substantive rationality. Other instances of indeterminacy of meanings (beliefs) may be unresolvable; for if we cannot determine for ourselves how can we communicate to others? Best, Hugh
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