> Nathaniel Hall wrote:
> >
> > Sodom wrote:
> >
> > > Nathaniel Hall wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Richard Brodie wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > On Thursday, October 9, 1997 8:46 PM, Nathaniel Hall
> > > > > [SMTP:natehall@worldnet.att.net] wrote:
> > > > > > Two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen make one molecule of
> > > > > water. Is
> > > > > > this an example of one of those patterns which don't exist?
> > > > >
> > > > > You are confused when you say "don't exist." Patterns are labels,
> > > > > distinction-memes, and they exist in minds. The substance that we
> > > > > approximate by calling it a water molecule certainly exists, but the map is
> > > > > not the territory.
> > > > >
> > > > > Richard Brodie RBrodie@brodietech.com http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie
> > > > > Author, VIRUS OF THE MIND: The New Science of the Meme
> > > > > http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/votm.htm
> > > > > Visit Meme Central: http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/meme.htm
> > > >
> > > > A good map will guide you over unfamiliar territory. One may only be a
> > > > symbolic representation of the other but if the territory did not have a
> > > > certain state or "pattern" no map would ever see you on your way. In philosophy
> > > > this is know as the problem of universals. If universals did not in fact exist
> > > > independent of anyone's thoughts , why then does a good map work as well as it
> > > > does?
> > > > The Nateman
> > >
> > > nice flip, well, hows this,
> > > Due to the similar nature of our brains, in that we probably have a
> > > similar language, education, and symbol input, A good map conforms to
> > > nearly all of the symbolism that we mutually understand. This can be
> > > demonstrated by giving a map to a child and asking for help reading it.
> > > The child will be completly confused and utterly worthless for help, the
> > > patterns will not exist in the same way they do for you and I.
> > > Now, in between the lines, "if the territory did not have a certain
> > > state or "pattern"". Implying that "state" and "Pattern" are similar is
> > > a nice trick. forzen water is also in a "state", but it is not a pattern
> > > (i expect a response to this one).
> >
> > I think at this point a definition of a pattern would be useful. Any takers?
> >
> > > A "state" is a condition of existence
> > > at a point in time, and everything changes as time expands. In this way
> > > universals are constantly changing except perhaps at a singularity.
> > > A good map works because our symbolism is similar, and, the rate of
> > > change in the universe appears constant to us.
> > >
> > > Sodom
> > > I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT AND WAS BLINDED BY IT, GLAD TO HAVE THAT THIRD
> > > EYE.
> >
> > "Our symbolism is similar" , but similar to what? To that which actually exists.
> > The substance has form and the map merely shows it. True it does change , but a good
> > map is one that is up to date!
> > The Nateman : who shall try hard to continue to shine the light.
> Similar to each other, and most other westernized people. Similar, but
> less similar to all other humans. Even less similar to the other great
> apes, and remotely similar to dogs.
>
> Sodom
> Don't forget to change the batteries
Others may not understand the symbols used but they do represent something real even if
only one person understands them. Your argument does not challenge the basic point I'm
trying to make: that universals exist in reality and are not just abstractions of the
mindThe Nateman.