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 Message 177,347 of 178,659 
 Ross Finlayson to Ross Finlayson 
 Re: The Suspicious Journals of Ross A. K 
 30 Mar 25 21:49:54 
 
[continued from previous message]

>          That the classical thinkers were not trying to deny reality,
> but were trying to understand it.
>      Sufficient, Thorough Reason:
>          The emphasis on "Sufficient, Thorough Reason" reinforces the
> classical commitment to comprehensive and coherent explanations.
>          That the classical thinkers were attempting to create complete
> systems of thought.
>      Inverse Primary Over Contradiction:
>          The idea that the inverse (induction) is primary over
> contradiction suggests a willingness to embrace complexity and
> ambiguity, rather than resorting to simplistic binary oppositions.
>
> Super-Scientific Omni and Supreme:
>
>      Respect for the Transcendent:
>          The decision to leave notions of the Omni and Supreme as
> super-scientific reflects a respect for the limits of human
> understanding and a recognition of the transcendent.
>          This is a way of acknowledging that there are things beyond the
> grasp of science.
>      Apophatic Approach:
>          This approach aligns with apophatic theology, which emphasizes
> the limitations of language and reason in describing the divine.
>
> Post-Modern Constructiveness:
>
>      Deconstruction as Structuralism:
>          Your assertion that deconstruction can be structuralist
> challenges the conventional view of post-modernism as purely destructive.
>          It suggests that deconstruction can be used to reveal the
> underlying structures of thought and language, paving the way for new
> and more robust frameworks.
>      Post-Modern Not Necessarily Disfigurist:
>          The idea that post-modernism need not be disfigurist reinforces
> the potential for constructive engagement with post-modern ideas.
>          Post-modern tools can be used to build, and not just to destroy.
>
> Mathematical and Foundational Apologetics:
>
>      Foundations All the Way Down:
>          The concept of "foundations all the way down" suggests a
> radical form of foundationalism, where even simple inductive
> regularities are grounded in deeper, more fundamental principles.
>          This is a search for the ultimate foundations of knowledge.
>      Mathematical Apologetics:
>          This approach can be seen as a form of mathematical
> apologetics, where mathematical and logical principles are used to
> defend and justify philosophical and theological claims.
>          Using the tools of mathematics, to prove philosophical concepts.
>      Simple Inductive Regularities:
>          The idea that even simple inductive regularities have a deep
> foundation, shows a search for a fully complete system.
>
> Overall Implications:
>
>      This perspective offers a more integrated and nuanced understanding
> of the relationship between classical and post-modern thought.
>      It emphasizes the potential for constructive engagement with both
> traditions, seeking to build upon their strengths and overcome their
> limitations.
>      It is a search for a complete, and coherent, system of thought.
>
> In essence, you're advocating for a sophisticated and integrated
> approach to knowledge, one that draws upon the richness of the classical
> tradition and the critical insights of post-modern thought.
>
>
>
>
> Thanks GG. That's a reasonable way to put it. Comment on similar efforts
> particularly of a sort of coherent, in the sense of internally coherent,
> treatment of the language and the theory.
>
>
>
>
> You're focusing on a crucial aspect: the pursuit of a coherent,
> internally consistent treatment of both language and theory. This is a
> challenging but essential goal for any comprehensive philosophical or
> scientific system. Here's a reflection on similar efforts and the
> significance of this pursuit:
>
> The Importance of Coherence:
>
>      Internal Consistency:
>          Internal coherence is paramount for any theory. A theory that
> contradicts itself is rendered useless.
>          This applies to both the formal structure of the theory and the
> language used to express it.
>      Language as a Tool:
>          Language is not merely a neutral medium for conveying ideas; it
> shapes and influences our understanding of those ideas.
>          A coherent treatment of language involves ensuring that the
> terms and concepts used in the theory are defined precisely and
> consistently.
>          That the language, does not create contradictions within the
> theory.
>      Avoiding Ambiguity:
>          Ambiguity in language can lead to misinterpretations and
> inconsistencies in the theory.
>          A coherent approach seeks to minimize ambiguity by providing
> clear and unambiguous definitions.
>      Reflexivity:
>          A truly coherent theory must be able to account for its own
> language and its own structure.
>          This involves a kind of reflexivity, where the theory can
> reflect on itself and explain its own workings.
>
> Similar Efforts:
>
>      Logical Positivism:
>          Logical positivists, such as Rudolf Carnap and A.J. Ayer,
> sought to create a coherent system of knowledge based on logical
> analysis and empirical verification.
>          They emphasized the importance of precise language and the
> elimination of metaphysical speculation.
>          They attempted to create a language that perfectly reflected
> reality.
>      Formal Systems:
>          Mathematicians and logicians have developed formal systems,
> such as axiomatic set theory and formal logic, to ensure internal
> consistency and coherence.
>          These systems provide precise rules for constructing and
> manipulating symbols, minimizing the risk of ambiguity and contradiction.
>      Wittgenstein's Tractatus:
>          Wittgenstein's "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" is a prime
> example of an attempt to create a coherent system of language and logic.
>          He sought to define the limits of language and to show how
> language can accurately represent reality.
>          His later work, the philosophical investigations, shows his
> change of mind regarding the possibility of a perfect language.
>      Spinoza's Ethics:
>          Spinoza's Ethics, attempted to create a fully coherent
> philosophical system, that was built on axioms, and definitions, in the
> same way that geometry is.
>      Modern type theory:
>          Modern type theory, as used in computer science, and
> mathematics, attempts to build systems where language, and the theory
> that it describes, are one and the same thing.
>
> Challenges and Considerations:
>
>      The Limits of Language:
>          Language is inherently ambiguous and context-dependent, making
> it difficult to achieve perfect coherence.
>          The work of philosophers like Derrida highlights the
> instability of language and the impossibility of escaping ambiguity.
>      The Problem of Self-Reference:
>          Self-referential systems can lead to paradoxes and
> contradictions, as demonstrated by Gödel's incompleteness theorems.
>          These limitations highlight the challenges of creating a fully
> coherent system that can account for itself.
>      The Ongoing Pursuit:
>          The pursuit of coherence is an ongoing process, a continuous
> effort to refine and improve our understanding of language and theory.
>          The goal is to get closer to a perfect system, even if
> perfection is impossible.
>

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