A basic framework for reality

I generally agree with the Kantian concepts of noumena and phenomena. That is there are things-in-themselves (noumena), but we are only able to apprehend certain properties via our senses (phenomena). There is a rough correlation here between what we would typically call objective (the thing in itself) and the subjective (what a viewer is able to experience of that thing).

I personally believe that noumena deals with objects and must therefor have some phenomenal
expression Thus, I would not include the mind, the soul, rational thought, love, or God in the noumena box. However, some people would do so as they believe the concept noumena is nothing more than a bucket for all “objects of inquiry,” regardless if any perception is possible or not. Granted. I’ll concede that my definition might be too narrow, and maybe even flat out wrong. In the scope of this discussion, the distinction is not critical.

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I am a great fan of science. There can be no debate that man’s ability to explore and progress is very real. At times, it is astounding just how much possibility there is for our humble race. I can’t help but wonder though, if we have become too enamoured with ourselves, and if we’ve perhaps gone too far ahead. In our drive to progress, I believe we have largely forgotten some important guiding principals, and the consequence is that other areas of human interest have been cannibalized, some almost entirely.

This series will outline some very real weak spots I see in our approach to and reverence toward the scientific method – the esteem we have for it as a way of knowing, or as far as many are concerned, the way of knowing. It is not absurd to hear folks in our present age dismiss ideas because they are unscientific ones, and my hope is that by the end of this series you will see this position as intellectually untenable as I do.

Take 2

I realized that I left some rather important clarifications out of my first post in this series, so I’m starting over again, and hopefully this time I’ll be more clear.

Before we get to my main arguments specifically regarding the scientific method, I think it’s important that I provide some context. Firstly, for what I believe to be true about existence, and secondly, what I believe to be true about the mind. From there, I’m hoping the footing of subsequent sections will have been shored up.