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Beyond the context of an objective, competence cannot be measured. For example, imagine a case in which a large tree is to be brought down in a short time and with a minimum human effort; here, we have defined an objective. Next, imagine three woodcutters, each given his choice of tools for the purpose of felling the tree. The workman who chooses a power chainsaw will be seen as more competent than one who chooses and axe. The one who chooses a scout knife will be seen as least competent.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Liberalism: Thinking Inside The Closed Loop
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The essential problem at the core of liberalism is faith-based epistemology. (1) It is not a problem at the personal level where a set of strongly held core beliefs may be a great source of security, comfort, confidence and -- above all -- a sense of control in evaluating and understanding the self and the world. It is an enormous problem, however, where there is no openness to the consideration of facts that conflict with pre-conceived beliefs. When verifiable realities are rejected in favor of a rigid system of ideological verities, survival and prosperity are inevitably at peril.
The essential problem at the core of liberalism is faith-based epistemology. (1) It is not a problem at the personal level where a set of strongly held core beliefs may be a great source of security, comfort, confidence and -- above all -- a sense of control in evaluating and understanding the self and the world. It is an enormous problem, however, where there is no openness to the consideration of facts that conflict with pre-conceived beliefs. When verifiable realities are rejected in favor of a rigid system of ideological verities, survival and prosperity are inevitably at peril.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Fundamental Significance of the Tea Party Phenomenon
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O.K., the title seems pretentious; the use of the word "fundamental" in context may suggest that I am laying claim to some special insight. Maybe, maybe not. That's for the reader to decide.
In short, I think what is most important in the Tea Party movement is unity; unity that transcends, and may ultimately overcome, the politically-driven balkanization of America. (1)
This unity, as I see it, is certainly not a lock-step agreement on most issues, but it seems clear that there is a consensus on certain principles, ideas and approaches strong enough to trump other areas of disagreement. It is the unity suggested by e pluribus unum.
O.K., the title seems pretentious; the use of the word "fundamental" in context may suggest that I am laying claim to some special insight. Maybe, maybe not. That's for the reader to decide.
In short, I think what is most important in the Tea Party movement is unity; unity that transcends, and may ultimately overcome, the politically-driven balkanization of America. (1)
This unity, as I see it, is certainly not a lock-step agreement on most issues, but it seems clear that there is a consensus on certain principles, ideas and approaches strong enough to trump other areas of disagreement. It is the unity suggested by e pluribus unum.
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