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This will be a continuing thread on the pitfalls of rationalism.
First a basic definition :- Rationalism is the reliance on *reason* as the basis of morality or action.
First a basic definition :- Rationalism is the reliance on *reason* as the basis of morality or action.
**1**
Buridan's Ass :- A very rational and hungry donkey/ass is placed exactly equidistant to two identical piles of hay. Being very rational, it cannot find any good reason to choose one over the other. Hence, it starves and dies.
Buridan's Ass :- A very rational and hungry donkey/ass is placed exactly equidistant to two identical piles of hay. Being very rational, it cannot find any good reason to choose one over the other. Hence, it starves and dies.
What this teaches us that in various situations (more complicated than situation of Buridan's ass) -- we would require certain set conventions, on the basis of which we can take decisions. There is no good rational reason for the existence of the convention, but it is necessary.
**2**
On the concept of Schelling/Focal Points.
Related to the above discussion, more examples of how conventions help out in making decisions should make it clear.
On the concept of Schelling/Focal Points.
Related to the above discussion, more examples of how conventions help out in making decisions should make it clear.
Two cyclists moving towards each other in a straight line are in a dilemma about which way to turn. If they both turn either left or right or stay course - then they crash.
If they had a predetermined convention say "of turning to the right", then they avoid the crash.
If they had a predetermined convention say "of turning to the right", then they avoid the crash.
There's really no good reason to choose the directive "turn to right" over "turn to left". But to avoid a crash you need to choose one.
This directive is a focal point - a shared idea/symbol/precept around which ppl can cooperate & make sound decisions.
This directive is a focal point - a shared idea/symbol/precept around which ppl can cooperate & make sound decisions.
Examples are easy :- the shared symbol of currency & how the economic system is propped up bcz people accept that convention and have mutual trust.
Similarly, a culture's trust & cooperation is cemented by it's own focal points - it's sacred forms, precepts & symbols.
Similarly, a culture's trust & cooperation is cemented by it's own focal points - it's sacred forms, precepts & symbols.
There need not be any good reason for why the sacred form is the way it is. But it is needed to ensure cooperation.
The attribute of sanctity adds another dimension to the shared symbol/form - essentially becoming the identity of the tribe itself.
The attribute of sanctity adds another dimension to the shared symbol/form - essentially becoming the identity of the tribe itself.
If you understood this, then you'd also understand why gauraksha is impt. for Hs. It may appear that there are no good reasons for why gaumata should be revered - however it is THE focal point and one of the few things Hs have actually cared about.
Putting up TI's AMA here.
Putting up TI's AMA here.
