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That's a valid point, not everyone labeled a "mystic" holds the same viewpoint. I don't consider Aquinas to be a mystic though. :-p I should have been more spe
by itistoday 16y ago
That's a valid point, not everyone labeled a "mystic" holds the same viewpoint. I don't consider Aquinas to be a mystic though. :-p
I should have been more specific, but it's rather difficult to be specific w.r.t. definitions of who is a mystic and who is not, it will likely lead to needless debate. :-\
I just hope that those who have studied a bit of comparative religion (and eastern religions specifically) will know what I'm referring to.
- hugh3 16y agoHave you heard of the "No True Scotsman" fallacy?
- itistoday 16y agoNo, I hadn't, thank you for the tip actually. However, I did not commit it, I never asserted "true mystics" or anything along those lines. I in fact admitted that my choice of words was poor, and that I was having difficulty choosing a better description.
- hugh3 16y agoIt is not necessary to use the word "true" to fall into the "No True Scotsman" fallacy. They key point is that you go around defining the word "X" in a non-conventional way to make sure that your "all X have property Y" is trivially true.
- itistoday 16y agoI understand that. :-) Again, I don't think I committed the "No True Scotsman" fallacy.
- joshuacc 16y agoWell, I'm not sure if he would meet your criteria for being a mystic, but Aquinas is reported to have had experiences typically labeled "mystical," such as visions of Christ and a deep interior perception of God. Not trying to argue, but many people don't know that aspect of Aquinas's life. :-)