Posted by fachad on October 16, 2002, at 14:40:40
In reply to Re: Rationalism and Philosophy, posted by Dr. Bob on October 15, 2002, at 22:08:53
>> But isn't faith not about being "rational", but about believing? Is the former necessarily better?
"Better" depends on what you want out of the activity.
If you are looking for truth, in the sense of beliefs that correspond with reality, and are independent of subjective factors, then the application of reason to sense experience is the best hands down.
>> And that was a conclusion he arrived at through rational thinking?
Well, Socratic dialectic is a more free form type of rational thought than modern scientific method, but yes, Socrates argues, in a rational fashion, that it is better to face death with dignity than to live in an unethical way.
> > > When I was a teenager, I discovered philosophy, and after much study and serious thought, self honesty, and rational thinking, found that religion was just not true. Others may disagree, but I am convinced that if you take an honest, rational look at religion, you will come out agnostic or atheist.
>
> But isn't faith not about being "rational", but about believing? Is the former necessarily better?
>
> > > > Phaedo is a record of the conversation Socrates had with his friends in jail on the day he was executed by the Athenians... He explained that it is better for a man to die with dignity, than to live badly.
> > > >
> > > > fachad
>
> And that was a conclusion he arrived at through rational thinking?
>
> Bob
poster:fachad
thread:1086
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20021001/msgs/1100.html