Re: virus: heresies

Reed Konsler (konsler@ascat.harvard.edu)
Thu, 16 May 1996 16:40:04 -0400


The core of rational thinking is that all conclusions are provisional.

Therefore "heresy" cannot exist. It is possible to imagine a situation in
which the most counterintuitive action might be the most reasonable.

"Live and let live" is usually a bad idea becuase it assumes continued
dichotomy, steady state and/or infinte resources. "You go your way and I'll go
mine." This is obviously impossible in a closed system. All things tend to
merge, either in synthesis or in conflict.

On the other hand, "Live and let live" isn't an unacceptable short term
solution in circumstances in which the above assumptions do apply.

I guess I would rather speak in terms of "Good Ideas" and "Bad Ideas". By
definition a critical thinker doesn't rule any hypothesis or plan of action, a
priori, beyond the pale.

Reed
konsler@ascat.harvard.edu