Tagged with 'epistemology'

We have entered a period of epistemological chaos. The true condition of our world, indeed the very nature of our phenomenal reality, including agreement regarding the meaning of knowledge itself, is completely up for grabs.

The present state of the world is called "gola" (exile). The state of the world as it will soon be is called "geula" (redemption). The two words are exactly the same, except that "geula" has the letter "alef" inserted in the middle. "Alef" means "master". It also means "one".

To make gola into geula, we only need reveal the alef—the One Master of the Universe who is hidden within the artifacts of our present world.

—Menachem Mendel Schneerson

For while they live among his works, they keep searching, and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful.

—Wisdom 13:7

A little something for students of epistemology, Rinzai enthusiasts, or anyone who likes to smile.

"How do we know that the moon landing happened?"

The question can be asked in two ways: Skeptically, or Analytically.

Indefinite conceptions upon
indefinite conceptions upon
finite experiences
of successive
modifying determinations
in a
perpetual motion machine
of infinite desire
without an opposite
chain links
upon links of
indefinite conceptions.

Your reality and mine are unique. Although we're likely to agree on most objective facts, our subjective realities may be infinitely divergent. Regardless of personal philosophy - apart from, say, believing we live in an entirely pre-programmed universe, which is within the realm of possibility (i.e., show me it's not) - we would probably agree that reality is malleable.