"My feeling was that the author can not be objective. He seems to 'hate' mysticism"
This was not my impression. I had a clear impression that he "distrusted" mysticism. I do not have time to go back to that article right now. I think you and I are mature enough to forgive any misremembrances. I am always ready to change my mind, and I know that you are too.
"It is only when our mysticism is in direct conflict with empirical data that I see any problem."
I don't think science disagrees with you. Science will look at any claim--including walking on water or crawling on air..but a good scientist will not lie about the nature of the evidence.
"even when the mystic model is wrong, it is not changed. This produces a ridiculous output when viewed in the new framework."
Well said...
"Personal mysticism, IMO, is essential for forming a coherent understanding of the whole. Unless you could possess all knowledge, one has to have a proxy to fill the gap in order to produce an output of some meaninful kind"
I think this is where the misunderstanding exists (I believe it is a misunderstanding). Science does not concern itself with "PERSONAL" apprehension of reality where it cannot be subjected to the scientific method.
Naturally, there is mistrust of mystical claims. Ought I to "fly" out of the nineteenth story because you assure me that it is safe and fun? Well...maybe. But should my distrust of your fanciful assurances be characterized as a "hatred" of mysticism? Perhaps. Or perhaps, not.
Science, by its nature, involves the consensus of many, rather than the caprice of one. This is not because it hates "personal mysticism", but only that it defines itself by a shared methodology and objective criteria. Science will look at any mystical claim; but if it cannot be substantiated it will throw it back. You would not want a lesser integrity. You value safety and assurance just as much as I do...or as Neo does.
Science does not prevent your voice. It simply creates a safety zone for your fancies. It is necessary for my safety and for yours, that science continues to DISTRUST all mystical claims to the ultimate degree. You, of all people, must appreciate this... |
