Re: [UUPoly-L] Epistemology and Polyamory

[Timothy McKee <mknd17@hotmail.com>]

In other words my epistemology is better than your epistemology.  Don't think that is enough to float the boat of anyone, myself included.
Tim
 



> Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:34:27 -0700> From: desmondravenstone@yahoo.com> To: uupoly-l@uupa.org> Subject: [UUPoly-L] Epistemology and Polyamory> > > --- On Sun, 9/28/08, CWLee <cwlee@post.harvard.edu> wrote:> > >> However, I believe the topic has moved far beyond poly issues and experiences.> > Please permit me to attempt to make it relevant.> > I believe the larger issue here is how we can know or claim something to be true -- in a word, epistemology.> > My position is largely one of a pragmatic rational empiricism -- when you state a proposition, and want to persuade others why they should accept it, you need to present evidence.> > The argument I've heard on the other side sounds to me more like epistemic relativism -- that there's no standard for determining or persuading others that a proposition is true; personal experience and sincere belief are just as valid as anything else.> > Now, let's say that you are approached by someone who argues that polyamory is unethical, even destructive to society. Imagine how each side would respond:> > The first would not only demand evidence to support the anti-poly person's claim, but produce evidence and logic that polyamory can and does work for a significant minority of people, and how social and legal efforts to supress plural relationships actually does more harm than good.> > The second would be caught in a quandary -- either appeal to personal experience and feelings, accuse the other person of being dogmatic, or simply say "your truth is not my truth" and walk away.> > Aside from the practical issue of which approach would be more persuasive, whether to the anti-poly person or an observer who is not sure of either side, there is also the question of which more adequately presents the reality and experience of poly people in general. Plus, as Unitarian Universalists, which is more consistent with both our principles and the sources which inspire us.> > Desmond Ravenstone> > ********************> > http://www.myspace.com/desmond_ravenstone> > > > > > _______________________________________________> The UUPoly-L mailing list has public archives.> Please keep that in mind when deciding how much to reveal about yourself.> UUPoly-L mailing list> UUPoly-L@uupa.org> http://www.uupa.org/mailman/listinfo/uupoly-l