Snippitts of Illusions

All our beliefs and understanding of the world around us are built upon rudimentary 'foundational' beliefs. I didn't coin this term, I got it from my epestimology class a few years back. It's an interesting concept. What are foundational beliefs? These actually can't even realistically be called beliefs, unless you use Wittgensteins rule of thumb which is: "If you want to see what someone believes, then watch how they respond to the real world." (paraphrased). This is how we respond to the world around us, without debate or thought. We don't question whether the ground is real or not when we're walking. We don't question our bodies when we're in pain. We accept them for what they are. The problem arises when we ask the question what are they? This is where philosophy comes from. As far as Foundational beliefs go, philosophy isn't important. No matter how much you question reality, you still respond to it normally. As if nothing in particular were the matter. Foundational beliefs are so deeply rooted in our psyche that there is almost no way they can change... almost. There are instances of greater understanding that might change them. I don't know it hasn't happened to me yet. Beyond foundational beliefs are secondary, tertiary, and surface beliefs. These other beliefs can change. Usually the lower the change on the scale of beliefs, the greater the effect on the persons life.

posted by F.G. Shaw @ 7:47 PM