From: Brett Paatsch (paatschb@ocean.com.au)
Date: Mon Jan 13 2003 - 18:58:37 MST
INTRODUCTION
The Extropian Principles 3.0 "express the values and attitudes
common to Extropians". (pg 13). They have been structured
and version numbered to reflect the desirability of their being
reflected upon and reviewed from time to time by extropians.
The Extropian Principles are copyright to Max More, therefore
actual changes to the document itself may be best carried out,
facilitated, or at least consented to by Max.
I offer for your consideration, and discussion, the following
amendment requests - marked AMENDMENTS below.
PROCEDURE: (Please read in deference to others)
The proposals are numbered for ease of reference and to facilitate
clarity in discussion. The proposed amendments may be supported
opposed or ignored. Amendments to these amendments may be
offered (alternate substitute wording say might be offered).
Other amendments to other parts of the ExI Principles could also
be offered, however, I request that these be handled separately
(i.e.. use a different subject header) so that at least temporary closure
on these particular issues which have already had some discussion
on the list can be achieved.
Please don't put meta-commentary in posts that are about votes and the
particular amendments, put it in a side post, so that the particular
amendments can be considered separately on their merit. If you have
no interest or preference at all saying nothing will be very concise and
might make it easier to count votes and for other people to see alternative
amendments if any.
If more than say a dozen respond, ( if :-) ), it may be better to send
yes or no votes (on each or all of the amendments) to me offlist and I'll
collate them and report to the list.
Any other procedural questions could be handled by use of a META
in the subject line.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I acknowledge and thank Lee Corbin and Samantha Atkins for their
discussion relating to these matters to date.
AMENDMENT (1) -------------------------
In two places in the Extropian Principles 3.0 reason is said to be
*favored*.
The second sentence on page 1 states:
(1a)
"Like humanists, transhumanists *favor* reason, progress,
and values centred on our well-being rather than on any
external religious authority"
And, the last sentence on page 2 states:
(1b)
"7. Rational Thinking -- *Favoring* reason over blind faith and
questioning over dogma".
PROPOSED AMENDMENT 1a and 1b
(1a)
That the word *favor* be replaced with the word *affirm*
(1b)
That the word *favoring* be replaced with the word *affirming*
>>OPENING ARGUMENT.
One ought not merely favor reason over belief like one favors
say vanilla ice cream over peppermint. Such is not an intellectual
distinction. One ought to "affirm" reason over belief.
I note that the word affirm is used on pg 12 in the first sentence of
the section on Rational Thinking in exactly this manner.
**AMENDMENT (2)---------------------------
On page 3. Following immediately after the above ref in Amendment 2.
"Remaining open to challenges to our *beliefs*(2a) and practices in
pursuit of perpetual improvement. Welcoming criticism of our
existing *beliefs*(2b) while being open to new ideas".
PROPOSED AMENDMENT 2A and 2b
(2a)
"Remaining open to challenges to our *assumptions* and
practices in pursuit of perpetual improvement.
(2b)
Welcoming criticism of our existing *views* while being open
to new ideas."
>>OPENING ARGUMENT
Neither of the proposed alternative words to *beliefs* carry any
implication that *beliefs* are valid.
If the intended meaning of these sentences can be retained without
any risk of implicitly endorsing the belief meme the net effect of the
amendments are beneficial. The Extropian Principles should not
implicitly affirm belief.
AMENDMENT (3)---------------------------------------
On pg 2.
" This document deliberate does not specify particular *beliefs*,
technologies, or conclusions. "
PROPOSED AMENDMENT 3.
No change is proposed.
However some opposed to the other related amendments may wish to
strengthen the belief meme or propose a counter-point amendment.
No restriction on the nature or extent of opposition is implied.
>> OPENING ARGUMENT.
In this context *belief* is not endorsed. In fact it seems to be
disparaged. It is a good example of opposing of the *belief* meme
that competes head to head with the *reason* meme.
----------------------------------------------------
Footnote:
I am aware that this sort of procedural approach is
more often used in national governments (where there
is better infrastructure to support it) than on mailing
lists and that this approach may be perceived as, or
actually be, "over the top".
Yet it seems that to build high requires strong foundations
and the Extropian Principles are our foundations. They are
what others may look to when they seek to know what it is
that extropians stand for. Some others may also look for
inconsistencies in the ExI Principles as an indication as to how
cogent or otherwise is extropian philosophy.
Others can hardly be expected to take us more seriously
than we take ourselves when we are considering serious
matters.
If this matter (belief vs. reason) proves to be of no interest
to the group I will respect that disinterest and pursue it no
further.
Regards,
Brett
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