You seem to accept the idea that mental processes are solely physical in nature and thus reducible in principle, if not in practice. And you advocate allowing each area of knowledge to stand on its own. This seems reasonable since progress has been made in each. No one disputes the success of the scientific revolution. Nor does anyone dispute the fact that much of its success came from focusing exclusively on quantifiable material interactions by means of efficient cause. Likewise, continued study in the humanities has brought to light many insights about the human condition. (The arts, I fear, have not fared so well.)
Despite these benefits, the strict division between qualitative and quantitative knowledge has come at great cost. People generally agree that technological advances must be balanced with ethical boundaries. But finding a rational basis for achieving that balance has proved elusive. Academic post-modern thought has become entirely self-referential and left us with extreme cultural relativism. Meanwhile scientism give no quarter to libertarian free will or human dignity. It seems to me that if balance is to be found, it must come from a theoretical framework that encompasses and links both types of knowledge, a TOE+ (explained below).
One recent goal of physics is to formulate a Theory of Everything (TOE) that links general relativity with quantum mechanics. In my opinion a Theory of Everything & More, or TOE+, if you will, would also reconcile disparate realms of knowledge. A TOE+ would give you a framework for understanding relationships between the arts, humanities and sciences. More importantly a TOE+ would also reveal areas of interdependence and mutual influence.
So while I agree that learning can continue within each of these fields of study without a Theory of Everything & More. However a TOE+ could potentially lead to an even better understanding about nature and the human condition.
Despite these benefits, the strict division between qualitative and quantitative knowledge has come at great cost. People generally agree that technological advances must be balanced with ethical boundaries. But finding a rational basis for achieving that balance has proved elusive. Academic post-modern thought has become entirely self-referential and left us with extreme cultural relativism. Meanwhile scientism give no quarter to libertarian free will or human dignity. It seems to me that if balance is to be found, it must come from a theoretical framework that encompasses and links both types of knowledge, a TOE+ (explained below).
One recent goal of physics is to formulate a Theory of Everything (TOE) that links general relativity with quantum mechanics. In my opinion a Theory of Everything & More, or TOE+, if you will, would also reconcile disparate realms of knowledge. A TOE+ would give you a framework for understanding relationships between the arts, humanities and sciences. More importantly a TOE+ would also reveal areas of interdependence and mutual influence.
So while I agree that learning can continue within each of these fields of study without a Theory of Everything & More. However a TOE+ could potentially lead to an even better understanding about nature and the human condition.
