No Progress in Philosophy (Introduction)

by dhw, Friday, July 24, 2015, 13:52 (3409 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: George's article tells us that philosophy may have advanced our ways about thinking about deeper truths, but we are still at Aristotle's level, and in comparison, I find the same result in noting that you are still on your picket fence, unable to reach conclusions. And more surprising, the experts you throw at me are generally from information I have presented to you.-Not surprising. You are my acknowledged, respected and much appreciated guide through the magical maze of science. The surprising thing is how often you present us with information which lends itself to a very different interpretation from your own. But that is often the case when someone has preconceived ideas: they automatically select the pros, and seem to miss the cons. The latter usually underlie my own contribution to the scientific areas of our discussions, the intelligent cell being a prime example.-DAVID: As an example of experts disagreeing, global warming comes to mind: alarmists and deniers. Please keep in mind there is room for both. -A charming reminder from a committed theist to a non-committed agnostic.-GEORGE: I think the author undermines his own case in part by not admitting Locke and Mill to be philosophers when they are being social activists. And Aristotle, though he may have got mechanics wrong, was quite right on any number of other things.-He does actually mention Mill and Locke as exceptions, and since Karl Marx did a doctorate in philosophy, he might also have been included! But I think the author's general thesis is spot on: “Whatever you believe...there's a good philosophical argument that your belief is false.” -GEORGE: I've not been posting on my Jeepyjay Diary, or here, because I've been busy trying to finish my book on Knight's Tours, which hasn't left me much time for anything else, and I'm aware of running out of time these days.-Delighted to hear about the book. “Aware of running out of time”...Oh, aren't we all?