Quote of the Week 11/06/2009
A philosopher is someone who goes into a dark room at night, to look for a black cat that isn't there. A theologian does the same thing, but comes out claiming he found the cat.
- Nick Philips
Regardless of what people say, analyzing political events is an art and not a science. It is somewhat like looking for a black cat in a dark room. We are constantly drawing conclusions from incomplete information. Improving your political analysis (i.e. learning from your mistakes) is also terribly difficult, because outcomes are often unclear and dependent on many variables.
Here at PBOM, we want to makes sure that we don't become political "theologians." There are too many of them out there, practicing "political science" and completely lacking in epistemological humility.
- Nick Philips
Regardless of what people say, analyzing political events is an art and not a science. It is somewhat like looking for a black cat in a dark room. We are constantly drawing conclusions from incomplete information. Improving your political analysis (i.e. learning from your mistakes) is also terribly difficult, because outcomes are often unclear and dependent on many variables.
Here at PBOM, we want to makes sure that we don't become political "theologians." There are too many of them out there, practicing "political science" and completely lacking in epistemological humility.
Comments
Evan
11/06/2009 00:35
Here here
Aris
11/06/2009 13:52
The philosopher, by definition, is concerned with knowledge (philos=friend/lover, sofia=knowledge). I would argue that the philosopher cares very much about certainty in his questions and endeavors. (nb: I take the black cat here to mean more than just God; for me it means anything that is true, logically or metaphysically)
Leave a Reply
Loading
