Posted by rpcman on May 12, 1998 at 10:30:37:
In Reply to: The Alchemy of Forces; posted by D J Lancaster on May 11, 1998 at 21:51:36:
It isn't until these forces impact us in noticable ways that we really take notice, that reality is malleable and in a constant state of moderate to volitile change.
Even after these forces impact us in a noticable way we tend to be slow or unable to change.
There is something deep in the human being that wants things to stay the same way...
Have you read any John Dewey? In Reconstruction in Philosophy (a book far more interesting than its title may indicate), Dewey argues for a more dynamic philosophy and a rethinking of how non-scientists view the scientific method. His philosophy has later been called "Pragmatic Humanism". Essentially, Dewey urges a constant change in numerous aspects of life which currently are not changing or are only slowly changing. The true scientific method is based on change, creativity, and continual improvement--not fixation, dogma, or complete reliance on a previous 'truth'.
If nothing else, everyone should at least read the chapter in this book that deals with the 'ideal' and the 'real'.