Plato held that concepts refer to other-worldy universals. "Goodness" for example, exists "out there" independent of consciousness.
Hume held that things that exist are unique and that there is nothing to unite them into a group. Man can simply create classes to group things, and no one can say weather its right or wrong.
Rand holds that concepts are reality based and man made. Knowledge is the grasp of an object through an active, reality based process chosen by the subject.
OK, I am going to go out on a limb here --- this is the best book I have ever read. There, I said it. But, I hope its not the best book I will ever read.
Chapter 1 answers a few questions Im sure everyone thinks about - Who are we ? Who is God ? and Where is God ? Ok, if thats not enough to interest you, go watch the Matrix.
Chapter 2 is all about waves and oneness. Every action of the universe can be represented by a wave,,,,,including life and death.
Chapter 3 describes how humans separate themselves from the universe making their lives seem futile.
Chapter 4 Man is not a part of nature, he IS nature. Read about how a rainbow can not exist without an observer...........
Chapter 5 Life is a game, play it !
Chapter 6 You are IT, the universe playing the game, looking back at itself....................
More about Alan Watts - click here
Richards Dawkins Editor
( I gave 3 stars after articles I found most interesting )
A collection of writings from science and nature magazines..........how the New York Slimes got in there is a mystery...........................
Weighing the Grandma Factor *** - the maternal grandmother and her importance in the life of her grandchildren
At Home in the Heavens - the search for planets outside our solar system
Four Ears to the Ground - elephants hear with their feet ?
A Skeptical Look at September 11th - are we over reacting ? ( the author makes a few valid points, but this still didn't sit too well with me )
DNA as Destiny *** - did you ever see the movie Gattica ? this excellent article gives you an idea of just how close to that type of society. Also, some very interesting notes on the work of Bryan Sykes.
