|
8.0.3 Reasonable ConvergenceVersion 1.1 August 2014 (Previous Version) Is it possible that the world – or a significant proportion of it – could become more reasonable? Or is such a notion just utopian dreaming, more beguiling millennialism? Is there any realistic hope that there will be any convergence of views? Or are we doomed to widespread ongoing conflict? These global beliefs summarise quite common views of leading philosophers, scientists and historians. They are consistent with the approaches of many religious liberals. Our personal guidelines and political approach conform to secular, pluralist, liberal democracy. In these pages we join all these dots and explicitly link the beliefs from each ‘knowledge domain’ into a comprehensive way. We expect most “citizens of the world” to be on a similar path. Progress is not inevitable. We are aware that many advanced civilisations have collapsed and knowledge has been lost. We are aware of the insidious attraction of the supposed certainty of single minded patriotism and blind religious faith. We are aware of the inherent weakness of excessively tolerant liberalism and moral relativity. We are aware of psychological risks: our own ignorance, biases towards simplicity and certainty, and various mental delusions. But we address all these concerns as we form our beliefs about science, history, religion and politics. As tribal societies and city states grew into nations and empires, there has been a trend towards finding and promoting common beliefs across the political entity. Now we have some commonality of beliefs and values across the so called West, across China and Russia. International meetings such as the G20 mouth shared aspirations for over 80% of the world. So we conclude that it is realistic to hope for a general convergence of reasonable views over the long term. We are not weird: we are not expecting the world to follow us down a peculiar narrow path. Rather we are seeing an emerging consensus amongst people who base their beliefs and values on reason and the evidence. Ultimately, there is reason to believe that such people are the majority. 8.0.3 Convergence of Beliefs and Values We see in history, over the long term, a trend to a convergence of beliefs and values that is grounds for hope, supporting our conviction that this Way is reasonable and global. ● There is evidence of a long term convergence of beliefs about the nature of the world, based on the widespread acceptance of science. ● There is also evidence of a long term convergence towards espousing compatible values, such as human rights, even though many fail to live up to their stated values. ● We can explain some seeming divergences in values that are more apparent than real, because their choices are based on different understandings of the nature of reality. ● On the other hand, we can accept, as well as explain, some real divergences in value, when they don't lead to harm. ● Overall, we expect that most sufficiently informed people will support, perhaps with some reservations, most of the beliefs and values that we present as part of this Way. ● But we must, through area government’s coercive powers, do what we can to contain those who would do harm on the basis of false beliefs and inhumane value choices.
MnCom2a: Start comments detail, page '8_0_3.php', access page 'TRUE'. MnCom2b: Included db and common. MnCom2b: Comments relate to page '8_0_3'. Members can tell us (publicly) what they think of this page. How can we improve it? Enter your comments.
MnCom: End comments overall, page '8_0_3.php', access page 'TRUE'. MnFtr0: Start expansion, page '8_0_3.php', device 'Dtop', access page 'TRUE', Done expansion 'False'. * * * * * * *
|
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of Country, throughout all colonised lands, and their connections to land, waters and community. We pay respect by giving voice to truth, values and social justice, acknowledging our shared history, and valuing the cultures of first nations peoples.
Copyright 2008 - 2025 Trevor J Rogers, care of the address shown on this page. All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the copyright owner. Any approved reproduction is permitted only with full attribution of the source, referring to this site and this copyright notice. The moral right of the author is asserted.
Top