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Historical Thinking

Author:		Stephen Waters
Posted:		4/23/04; 2:14:32 PM
Topic:		Historical Thinking
Msg #:		90 (top msg in thread)
Prev/Next:		89/91
Reads:		3573

First there was flailing in the dark. It was not irrational, but pre-rational. It was evidenced by no attempt for understanding. With random procedures, truths may be hit upon on occasion. There was no decision procedure for determining which are truths and which are falsehoods.

Then there were practical but unsystematic thinkers such as Francis Bacon. Baconian empiricism. Practitioners of Baconian empiricism, like Montaigne and Confucius, went into the world to look for truths much as a farmer collects ripe fruit. They have much to say that is good. They suffer from lack of direction and organization, but they do not lose sight of the object, which is truth.

Then follows systematic thinking – the level of science and philosophy. Systematic thinking recognizes that a more efficient process of discovery relies on:

1. Development of a rational theory based on experience;
2. Theory is then tested for validity both empirically and logically, and;
3. It eschews random gathering of information as unproductive. The problem is that adherents can become so enamored of method at the expense of content that their information may contribute only minimally to useful knowledge.

Dialectical thinking recognizes the value of thinking but recognizes limitations. Thus Godel, a skilled systematic thinker, developed profound truths using the process to examine the limits of the process.^{1  2} 

The academic study of Philosophy has strayed from dealing with every-day life. It seems engaged in finding the Ultimate Answer. In other words, we are adrift in a storm-tossed ocean. Philosophy seems intent in building a foundation that reaches all the way to the bottom of the sea. Certainly, and for the moment, many of us would be content to lash together a sturdy lifeboat to keep ourselves afloat.

     --------------------
¹ These developed from conversations with Kristin Waters, my sister and a Professor of Philosophy, who freely shared the results of her study and her gift for lively classroom presentation.
² Is this merely cross-level thinking? How does this relate to morality? (KBW letter April 1)