Are philosophers jealous lovers about reality?
February 6, 2022 at 11:02 pm
(This post was last modified: February 6, 2022 at 11:04 pm by vulcanlogician.)
I recently listened to a 5 minute clip of a lecture on my favorite YouTube channel. As someone who appreciates epistemology, I find the argument suspect, but still.... it's rather interesting to ponder. The lecturer suggests that we devote 17 or 18 seconds to thinking about it.
In summary:
It is a criticism of epistemology, aimed at its roots. Hegel posits that we ought not "stand back" and ask "how we know" something. When we look for epistemic justifications for things, we may think we are being thorough, but Hegel wonders if we aren't just being suspicious.
Let's say you are really into a lover. And she is, in fact, faithful to you. But let's say that (for a moment) you stand back and wonder "Is she really faithful?" When you do that, Hegel says that-- while you may think you are examining things in more detail-- and thus getting to the heart of them, you are, in fact, making your personal reality a separate object from yourself. You think you are examining truth, but you are, in fact, seperating yourself from it. That's a fairly bastardized explanation. Watch the video for a better summary.
***
IDK. I like epistemology. I wonder if it isn't just epistemic hubris. But I'm not all that familiar with Hegel. Maybe he goes on to give more satisfying support.
But it's an interesting criticism/ thought experiment/ skepticism of epistemology nonetheless. A bit heady, though. Might not be everyone's cup of tea.
I'm reminded somewhat of William James's notion that avoiding error is only half of what we should be doing when trying to obtain knowledge. If we only try to avoid error, we become rigid skeptics who miss out on a great deal of genuine knowledge that is available to us.
Anyway, what do you think? Any and all criticism, as well as sarcasm and snark, is welcome.
In summary:
It is a criticism of epistemology, aimed at its roots. Hegel posits that we ought not "stand back" and ask "how we know" something. When we look for epistemic justifications for things, we may think we are being thorough, but Hegel wonders if we aren't just being suspicious.
Let's say you are really into a lover. And she is, in fact, faithful to you. But let's say that (for a moment) you stand back and wonder "Is she really faithful?" When you do that, Hegel says that-- while you may think you are examining things in more detail-- and thus getting to the heart of them, you are, in fact, making your personal reality a separate object from yourself. You think you are examining truth, but you are, in fact, seperating yourself from it. That's a fairly bastardized explanation. Watch the video for a better summary.
***
IDK. I like epistemology. I wonder if it isn't just epistemic hubris. But I'm not all that familiar with Hegel. Maybe he goes on to give more satisfying support.
But it's an interesting criticism/ thought experiment/ skepticism of epistemology nonetheless. A bit heady, though. Might not be everyone's cup of tea.
I'm reminded somewhat of William James's notion that avoiding error is only half of what we should be doing when trying to obtain knowledge. If we only try to avoid error, we become rigid skeptics who miss out on a great deal of genuine knowledge that is available to us.
Anyway, what do you think? Any and all criticism, as well as sarcasm and snark, is welcome.
