virus: ...said the spider to the fly...

Reed Konsler (konsler@ascat.harvard.edu)
Thu, 4 Mar 1999 18:32:12 -0500

Reed:
> Justifying WHAT, exactly? What is this grand justificational edifice FOR?
> At least the apologists have a purpose, you're just proliferating potentially
> dangerous weapons.

Jake:
>Eh?
>
>That made no sense what-so-ever to me. You mean because I am not an faith
>apologist I have no purpose in my life?????
>
>Your lips move, but I can't hear what you're saying.

The question is:

What is the purpose of the "grand justificational edifice" ? What is it for?

An apologist could answer this question. I don't expect, or even encourage, you to have that SAME purpose. But, I would like to know what you think the purpose of logic / reason / science...as I said the: "grand justificational edifice" is. What is it FOR? Why should we value it? What difference does it make?

I could answer this question myself, but let's play it out a little. It might be enlightening. To make it more sporting, I'll give you a hint.

What is the purpose of reason?
What is the purpose of faith?

For me, the answer is (more or less) the same for both questions. You may fiat that faith and reason have the same purpose, in which case a self-consistent person would stop bellyaching so much about religion. Or, if you like, you may try and refute.

Oh, a third option is that you could ignore me.

...or you could write more poetry.

You have complete freedom of expression, but all your options lead right back into my web. But, go ahead...wriggle wriggle wriggle.

wriggle wriggle wriggle

It's the only way I know to make you see reality. First you exaust yourself...then things become apparent.

[fingers interlocked, thumbs upward lightly touching]

[ringing of small bell]

Reed


  Reed Konsler                        konsler@ascat.harvard.edu
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