Wednesday, February 17, 2010

two-fold nature of experience

Beginning with the professor's recognition of developing ethics for meat consumption while appealing to 'this world empiricism' can allow for various grounded arguments to unfold, which can obviously complicate policy discussions, and continuing with the observances of the class' various thoughts and ideas on our topic of discussions, it became evident to me that even if we can find a common ground to begin our discussion, while appealing to 'this world empiricism', different viewpoints are sure to develop. This made me question whether we are all experiencing the same thing, if a different interpretation arises for every different individual experiencing. Although it appears more likely that, in a discussion, or any experience, what is experienced can be, but not always is, the same (i.e. entertaining the notion of eating meat), yet the experience itself differs from individual to individual. Therefore, what can be taken from any experience is (at least) two-fold. As what is experienced, the other, remains what it is. If it is understood that this remains the same, regardless of who is experiencing it, it can be known and discussed (?). However, as the experience itself of the other varies, is purely subjective, confusion can arise when attempting to find neutral ground. Is a system independent of experience, yet built on what is experienced, possible? And would this help alleviate the debate of naturalism and supernaturalism?

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