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It may be a fine line that separates philosophy and religion, but their respective "theaters of the mind" are pretty different. Possible worlds that are built
by randcraw 10y ago
It may be a fine line that separates philosophy and religion, but their respective "theaters of the mind" are pretty different.
Possible worlds that are built on novel premises or inferred from unrecognized patterns are likely to interest anyone who has an imagination. That's true even for nutty worlds like simulacra and multiverses.
But possible worlds that must conform to dogma, especially when it's structured and inviolable (religion) or where imagination and doubt are forbidden (faith)... These seems a lot less interesting, to a nonbeliever like me anyway.
- milesf 10y agoDogma is no different than our skeletal system. Freedom of movement is enhanced in our bodies because we have something firm and fixed to pull against. Imagine being a human blob without bones. Is that freedom to move? Philosophy without a fixed reference is just endlessly chasing your tail. If you are satisfied with that experience, then have at 'er :) And sorry, but faith doesn't mean imagination is forbidden. Ever heard of C.S. Lewis?
- randcraw 10y agoTo Lewis, Narnia was a world that was never possible. As fantasy, it was literary allegory, intended for the entertainment of children, nothing more. But even in fantasy, Lewis felt obliged to invent a Christ figure (Aslan). So even in his dreams he was bound by the surly bonds of his faith. His dogma was truly inescapable.
- milesf 10y agoMy point was Jack was both a tremendous intellect and an imaginative storyteller. But "obliged to invent a Christ figure"? I've never heard that before. Can you cite any examples?