Gregg,

I react positively to this suggestion and will begin to use more ToK/UTUA
language in my responses.

Converging with your prompt for clarity regarding the theories behind our
discussion/opinion, I am becoming more interested in seeing where more
technical synthesis could lead if we used the Tree of Knowledge language
more.

-Chance

On Wed, Aug 15, 2018 at 6:45 AM, Henriques, Gregg - henriqgx <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I am signing off for a bit, but just wanted to say that this looks like a
> great topic. So, thanks, Joe. Harari’s *Homo Deus* covered this issue
> also. And did it so quite poorly, from a ToK/UTUA point of view.
>
>
>
> What is needed are models of mental behavioral evolution leading up to
> language (done by tracking both animals in our phylogenetic line and in
> tracking the development of cognitive abilities in children, like Nancy
> Link argues).
>
>
>
> And then identify an evolutionary tipping point that connects all the
> things that are associated with making modern human persons so different.
> What could that point be? I read a book by Mercier and Sperber called *The
> Enigma of Reason* that proposed a new theory about this issue. It argued
> that humans are unique because they had to justify their actions. They
> argue that justifying and analyzing the legitimacy of other justifications
> provides a frame that explains how humans reason, give reasons for their
> actions and ultimately built cultures, which are formed by reason-giving
> matrices. Their novel theory is consistent with lots of data. Maybe we
> should contact them and see if they can weigh in and educate us about this
> important question 😊.
>
>
>
> Am now signing off for real.
>
>
>
> Peace,
>
> G
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* tree of knowledge system discussion <[log in to unmask]
> edu> *On Behalf Of *Joseph Michalski
> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 15, 2018 9:30 AM
> *To:* [log in to unmask]
> *Subject:* Re: A proposal for the list
>
>
>
> Dear Colleagues:
>
>
>
> *Scientific American* arrived in the mail yesterday with the cover title:
> "Humans: Why we're unlike any other species on the planet." I've attached a
> file with a couple of the main articles for the list's consideration. There
> are several others that flesh out other aspects of "being human."
> Definitely worth acquiring a copy.
>
>
>
> In any event, these types of articles lead directly to the kinds of
> discussions I believe we're all interested in, especially in relation to
> the ToK. Perhaps we can discuss some of the key claims of these articles to
> clarify, critique, and advance our collective wisdom in regard to the joint
> points and the implications for further ToK knowledge-building? I'll offer
> some thoughts later on today (have to go to my 'day job' right now!), if
> that would be helpful. But perhaps someone else would like to offer a few
> thoughts to kick off some discussion.
>
>
>
> All best regards, -Joe
>
>
>
> Dr. Joseph H. Michalski
>
> Acting Academic Dean/Associate Academic Dean
>
> King’s University College at Western University
>
> 266 Epworth Avenue
> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__maps.google.com_-3Fq-3D266-2BEpworth-2BAvenue-2B-250D-250A-2BLondon-2C-2BOntario-2C-2BCanada-2B-2BN6A-2B2M3-26entry-3Dgmail-26source-3Dg&d=DwIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=W-oy70QN2WX9D-_kIilaePgBlmlrFKziiUUqh5-rYiM&s=0e52JsovwPrmiFDcfaCDlZsOGywAyfE7itmIMn-Z7bc&e=>
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> London, Ontario, Canada
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> ______________________
>
> *ei*π + 1 = 0
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* tree of knowledge system discussion <[log in to unmask]
> edu> on behalf of Henriques, Gregg - henriqgx <[log in to unmask]>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 15, 2018 7:43:02 AM
> *To:* [log in to unmask]
> *Subject:* A proposal for the list
>
>
>
> Dear List,
>
>
>
>   I have spoken with some folks, and I would like to offer a proposal.
> Please share reactions if you have them.
>
>
>
>   My proposal is that our contributors frame their responses a bit so that
> the audience can be clear about knowledge system they are operating from.
> This request was triggered by Lonny’s reply to the behavioral selection
> post. As I back channeled him, when I read it, like Jamie, I was quite
> confused. It was definitely *not* the ToK/UTUA language system (i.e., it
> characterized the meaning/empirical reference of mind, life, feeling, etc.
> very differently). It became immediately clear in our back channel exchange
> that, indeed, Lonny was operating off of a different metaphysical
> system/language game. That is fine, of course, but if it is not clear, it
> leads to confusion for the audience…very much along the lines if someone
> started speaking French.
>
>
>
>   My exchange with Lonny made explicit what has become, I think, a bit of
> an issue for the list. That is, we are seeing lots of posts (which is good)
> from individuals who are speaking from a number of different systems (which
> is ok, but can be confusing). John’s First Principles of Physiology and
> Mark’s McLuhan x Aristotle positions are two that are prominent. Jamie’s
> Moral Apex is another (although it is not necessarily different from the
> ToK/UTUA). With Lonny in the mix, plus the ToK/UTUA frame, that is
> potentially five different systems of thought. That is a lot to keep track
> of, increasing the likelihood of audience overload and tuning out.
>
>
>
>   I propose a few things. First, I think it will help the audience if the
> poster is clear what frame they are speaking from. Second, I think it is
> fine that we have different version of reality that folks are operating
> from. We are exploring (big) Theories Of Knowledge, after all. It is also
> the case, however, that the ToK/UTUA frame is the “center of gravity” that
> has served to attract the group as a whole. So, I think it would make sense
> if that was considered the “default” and we should be primarily oriented to
> it and if one is using a different frame, be clear about it in relation to
> the ToK. I would also welcome more in-depth exploration of the ToK/UTUA in
> relation to other frames or problems in general. For example, I thought
> Joe’s comment about universities could have been a great “in” to explore
> what the ToK/UTUA frame is getting at.
>
>
>
>   In terms of examples about what I mean, I already mentioned that it
> would have helped out if Lonny had started out his email via an
> articulation of his position. Another example that came up yesterday was
> the response by Mark to the entropic brain article, which he responded to
> by  saying, “it need not concern* us* too much.  No, physics (and math)
> is not where understanding begins.” I did not know who the “us” was, and,
> as such, it did not sit quite right. However, if we knew the “us” meant
> Mark’s paradigm that emphasizes McLuhan and formal metaphysics, then the
> “us” is clearer. It is an interesting paradigm, no doubt. But that is the
> frame over on his list (Center for Digital Life), and it is not the
> ToK/UTUA frame, which as I mentioned to him in my brief reply, is
> fundamentally about the assimilation and integration of knowledge systems.
> (The article about brain, mind and entropy is very much connected to the
> ToK/UTUA system. Indeed, the article was conceptually anchored to the
> Friston’s free energy principle
> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__en.wikipedia.org_wiki_Free-5Fenergy-5Fprinciple&d=DwMF-w&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=6MBLeBRO0whD49q2mB7nzPpXxIizSjHEFIMJGIrMRPE&s=sqlQV2CzWh6tIdmPbIv2HrLxZdDmTVBl5MRlgkDbkgQ&e=>,
> which Chance explored some on is dissertation on dreams and the unified
> approach, so that is a* direct* connection between the article and BIT).
>
>
>
>   Anyway, those are some thoughts for the day. This is not intended to be
> a powerplay or designed to diminish other voices so the light is only
> shined on the ToK (Side note: In JH speak, this “disclaimer” is designed to
> advertise my selflessness, as I behave selfishly 😊…If you look for them,
> such justification disclaimers happen all the time—and not just in others;
> you will do them automatically as well), but rather it is intended to bring
> some focus and clarity to these discussions. The goal is to help those who
> are following have a sense of shared participation, clarity and cumulative
> understanding, as opposed to experiencing the list as a rather chaotic
> flood of ideas coming from a multitude of diverse perspectives with no
> reference point for understanding. *The whole point of the ToK/UTUA is to
> NOT replicate the chaotic processes that are happening in the world out
> there!*
>
>
>
> Look forward to others’ thoughts if they have them.
>
>
> Best,
> Gregg
>
> ___________________________________________
>
> Gregg Henriques, Ph.D.
> Professor
> Department of Graduate Psychology
> 216 Johnston Hall
> MSC 7401
> James Madison University
> Harrisonburg, VA 22807
> (540) 568-7857 (phone)
> (540) 568-4747 (fax)
>
>
> *Be that which enhances dignity and well-being with integrity.*
>
> Check out my Theory of Knowledge blog at Psychology Today at:
>
> https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.psychologytoday.com_blog_theory-2Dknowledge&d=DwIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=W-oy70QN2WX9D-_kIilaePgBlmlrFKziiUUqh5-rYiM&s=ctL-HjeNOf25sGg4IVX-Y4wwOEcye2z-joLCBfriBfQ&e=
> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.psychologytoday.com_blog_theory-2Dknowledge&d=DwMF-w&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=6MBLeBRO0whD49q2mB7nzPpXxIizSjHEFIMJGIrMRPE&s=YENW_TcODlKyJyIe2FEImGIWVmPAofwvgbvolpG-RQI&e=>
>
>
>
> Check out my webpage at:
>
> www.gregghenriques.com
> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.gregghenriques.com&d=DwMF-w&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=6MBLeBRO0whD49q2mB7nzPpXxIizSjHEFIMJGIrMRPE&s=PUdguJDGaVyon1FQVV5K3rloEe7knjcgJ5ZdP-qQjeE&e=>
>
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