Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.19990407103143.007ef410@rongenet.sk.ca>
Date: Wed, 07 Apr 1999 10:31:43 -0600
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk, memetics@mmu.ac.uk
From: Lloyd Robertson <hawkeye@rongenet.sk.ca>
Subject: Re: A more
In-Reply-To: <370AEAC2.6B8C@easynet.co.uk>
Chris Lees wrote:
>
>I would take your remarks more seriously if you had used the word
>'illusion'.
>As I understand 'delusion', it refers to pathology, as in
>hallucinations, etc,
>associated with mental disease, and is not synonymous with 'illusion'.
I once debated a Buddhist who claimed I was deluded because I failed to
understand that the self was a "mere illusion". I don't think he meant that
I was pathological. I agree with you, Chris, that "deluded" has a
psychological definition and that is the definition I prefer. On the other
hand, I think that Joe was using the more popular definition that is often
used by religionists to put down those that do not agree with them. Given
the context, I think Joe can be forgiven for using that definition.
On a related matter, I hope you bear with me, Chris, and explain to me more
about scientism as a "quasi-religion or ideology". I once discussed
Darwinian evolution with a local fundamentalist Christian and he accused me
of this thing called "scientism". I took it to mean that in his view
science was just another religion and I could choose to believe in science
or I could believe in Christ. So I reacted, perhaps hastily, when you used
the term on an earlier post.
Is the belief that the scientific method produces results a
"quasi-religious" belief? Are there scientists who believe that thru their
science they have found all of the answers to those metaphysical questions
they have defined as essential? Is there a scientific dogma that must be
accepted on faith? Are people who descibe themselves as scientists or
supporters of science distinctive in terms of worship, rituals, dress,
etc.? Or are you talking about some pseudo-scientific beliefs such as those
that inspired the "Christian Science" sect?
Thanking you in advance.
Lloyd
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