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Jon, Edwina, List,
Edwina:
And from your post - I conclude that not merely 'absolute
precision' is impossible, but by that notion, absolute truth
is impossible since 'continuous variation subsists'. ..which
means - no final Truth.
Therefore - the agenda of some to find the ultimate or final
truth of the meaning of Peirce's work which will then stand as
The Final Word On Peirce - is not possible. Such ultimate
finality seems to me to occur only within mathematics, pure
logic or the natural laws of physics and chemistry - and even
these realms must be open to questions. Other explorations in
'what is reality' - which includes the complex semiosis of
Peirce within his examination of the triad and the
categories are subject to that fact that 'absolute precision
is impossible'.
Jon:
The denial of
absolute truth is self-defeating; to assert that "absolute
truth is impossible" is to affirm an absolute truth. I also
note for the record that you did not preface that statement
with any of the disclaimers that you have been urging upon
the rest of us.
In any case, once
again you seem to be overlooking my (and Peirce's) explicit
acknowledgement that the state of Substantial
Information--corresponding to absolute truth, the ultimate
Interpretant of every Sign, and infallible Habits of
Interpretation--is an ideal, a regulative hope, that
will never actually be achieved.
I personally see these distinctions as ones of style, _expression_ or
degree, not of meaning. My own view of Peirce is that he was a
fierce proponent of inquiry and approximation to the truth, which
can make it believable, that is suitable for action and knowledge.
New information or the surprising fact may cause us to question that
belief in the future. But, in all cases, we can never know anything
in the absolute. We need sufficient information to believe, but it
is fallible.
From the standpoint of this Peirce community, I believe it is ethics
that best governs our actions on the list. I prefer to think that
participants on this list do so because they have an interest,
sometimes passion, for Peirce, and participate in good faith, even
with differences in style or _expression_.
Mike
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