On scepticism – and dogmatism
by Robert Brečević
I notice the only strong point of the dogmatists, namely, that, speaking in good faith and sincerely, we cannot doubt natural principles. Against this the sceptics set up in one word the uncertainty of our origin, which includes that of our nature. The dogmatists have been trying to answer this objection ever since the world began.
So there is open war among men, in which each must take a part, and side either with dogmatism or scepticism. For he who thinks to remain neutral is above all a sceptic. This neutrality is the essence of the sect; he who is not against them is essentially for them. [In this appears their advantage.] They are not for themselves; they are neutral, indifferent, in suspense as to all things, even themselves being no exception.
What then shall man do in this state? Shall he doubt everything? Shall he doubt whether he is awake, whether he is being pinched, or whether he is being burned? Shall he doubt whether he doubts? Shall he doubt whether he exists? We cannot go so far as that; and I lay it down as a fact that there never has been a real complete sceptic. Nature sustains our feeble reason, and prevents it raving to this extent.[Pg 121]
Shall he then say, on the contrary, that he certainly possesses truth—he who, when pressed ever so little, can show no title to it, and is forced to let go his hold?
What a chimera then is man! What a novelty! What a monster, what a chaos, what a contradiction, what a prodigy! Judge of all things, imbecile worm of the earth; depositary of truth, a sink of uncertainty and error; the pride and refuse of the universe!
Who will unravel this tangle? Nature confutes the sceptics, and reason confutes the dogmatists. What then will you become, O men! who try to find out by your natural reason what is your true condition? You cannot avoid one of these sects, nor adhere to one of them.
(Blaise Pasal, Pensées)
So… I was wondering to invite an artist who makes mural to paint the plasma screen´s wall. What do you say about? Do we have a budget that permits this (she could come also for free paying the plain by her own but if we could help her…)
Write, answer, comment, COME ON!
We do have a budget. Let us talk about it tomorrow. Since the budget is limited and a total we will have to decide about larger expenditure together. Bring some presentations stuff and mak a case!
Btw – difference between propaganda and advertisement. Let’s think a bit about that! Advertisement can be a part of a larger scale propaganda for consumer society – but it appears to differ from real propaganda.. or?
Is there a modl difference between “preaching” and “selling” and how does that apply in secular society?
Bring some o those thoughts tomorrow!