(July 27, 2012 at 10:45 am)Rhythm Wrote: At least with regards to whatever reality one is observing-as far as that can really go...hehe. For my part, along the lines of realities, it seems to matter very little whether I am living in a generated reality (by myself or another) or if this reality is something completely objective to me. In either case it seems to operate according to laws which I am incapable of altering -even if it is an illusion- and so there is no practical difference between the two. I find no reason to act differently in either of these realities, and it becomes more effective to communicate my thoughts on the matter if I assume the language of this reality as being objective to me, and not generated by another -even if this is not the case. Perhaps this reality is subject to change at a whim, but it doesn't seem to be so yet, or if it has been, I am incapable of determining where this occurred. Though, if pressed, I can admit that I do not "believe" in these foundational beliefs, but I find it impossible to act differently (at least in any consistent manner). I cannot honestly put my confidence in them in principle, even if they are useful in practice. Obviously I value practice over principle in a great many places.
-late edit- as an amusing semi-sideline, it's very easy for me to compare our perceptions of reality as a principle to our perceptions of reality as expressed in tools like theories. Adept at describing the relationships between objects at a certain level, but at some point, in some other circumstance, completely unworkable.
This is where I disagree with you. I agree that it is impossible to act as if you do not believe in the given foundational principles, but to continue to act according to them while steadfastly refusing to "believe" in them reveals a basic discrepancy between one's beliefs and actions. For a completely rational person, his actions would be in accordance to his beliefs. Any contradiction would lead to irrationality.
For example, here you say that you do not see any practical difference in treating the three realities differently - the self-generated, other-generated and the objective one. However, there is a very good reason for treating them differently. If you believe the reality to be self-generated, then you are capable of altering it - even if it doesn't seem possible now. The action most beneficial in that case would practicing all the mind-over-matter exercises you can find. If it is other-generated, then it is that other intelligence that is capable of altering reality to your benefit. The most beneficial course of action would be to discover this other, figure out what makes it happy and do as it says (yes, theists). If it is objective and unalterable by your or anyone else's wishes, then your best course is to discover the principles governing this reality and act according to them.
