The value of doubt

[axver]

Just about a fortnight ago, I confessed to the obvious and wrote about my agnosticism. In that entry, I made one mildly curious statement that I promised to write about later: "I also believe that there is a place within some conceptualisations and frameworks of Christianity for agnosticism, and indeed that agnosticism can be edifying for the

Comments

[tinandcopper]

Your description of agnosticism as an approach or orientation exactly describes a kind of skepticism known as heuristic skepticism. It is essentially a critical orientation of the epistemological virtue sort. And through my much different conception of "faith" as uh, evangelicalism and actually several major Prot thinkers, I think of doubt as a developmental imperative. There is no "maturity" when one behaves like an unthinking slave; maturity requires reflection, and meaningful reflection requires questioning

[tinandcopper]

"And through my much different conception of "faith" as uh, evangelicalism and actually several major Prot thinkers"

er, replace the "as" after faith with "from" please. >_>

[axver]

This is why the ability to edit comments needs to be rolled out to all users, not just those who are paid or permanent.

[axver]

'Your description of agnosticism as an approach or orientation exactly describes a kind of skepticism known as heuristic skepticism.'

And why hadn't I heard of this before? Oh, that's right, because 'skepticism' is a dirty word.

'There is no "maturity" when one behaves like an unthinking slave; maturity requires reflection, and meaningful reflection requires questioning.'

Damn straight. I feel like I am surrounded by an intellectually lazy society though. Whether it is politics, religion, or even sport, it seems people take so much information uncritically. My biggest problem with understanding the world is how people can accept and enjoy this immaturity. I just read Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, and what undoubtedly struck me the most was the infantile state people were kept in so they could have a vapid, shallow "happiness" devoid of meaning. I know a lot of people like to focus on the technological and political side of things, but the philosophical part is what got to me.

'Perhaps you would be encouraged to know that

Re: Youre Still Here!

[axver]

Wow, it's been a while since you've been around! Good to see you. Life could be better but university's going fantastically - I've transferred down to the University of Melbourne, which has proved to be a great move.

I remember that you're an atheist, but I wasn't aware you're Buddhist too. I know a few people with Buddhist sympathies, but it's never been something I've seriously looked into myself. I did a brief unit on it in high school and that's about all really.

Re: Youre Still Here!

[axver]

I'm flatting by myself - I love having my own space (and not having to live in QLD!).

I don't use Facebook. I've mainly just stuck to LJ. I procrastinate far too much online as it is, as these days I mainly stick to LJ and Interference.