Christian Thomas Kohl The Metaphysical Foundations of Buddhism and Modern Science
Christian Thomas Kohl The Metaphysical Foundations of Buddhism and Modern Science
Christian Thomas Kohl The Metaphysical Foundations of Buddhism and Modern Science
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element shall have the character <strong>of</strong> a particular instance <strong>of</strong> the general<br />
scheme.<br />
Thus speculative philosophy embodies the method <strong>of</strong> the 'working<br />
hypothesis'. <strong>The</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> this working hypothesis for philosophy is to<br />
coordinate the current expressions <strong>of</strong> human experience, in common<br />
speech, in social institutions, in actions, in the principles <strong>of</strong> the various<br />
special sciences, elucidating harmony <strong>and</strong> exposing discrepancies. No<br />
systematic thought has made progress apart from some adequately<br />
general working hypothesis, adapted to its special topic. Such an<br />
hypothesis directs observation, <strong>and</strong> decides upon the mutual relevance <strong>of</strong><br />
various types <strong>of</strong> evidence. In short, it prescribes method. To venture<br />
upon productive thought without such an explicit theory is to ab<strong>and</strong>on<br />
oneself to the doctrines derived one's gr<strong>and</strong>father.<br />
In the preliminary stages <strong>of</strong> knowledge a haphazard criterion is all that is<br />
possible. Progress is then very slow, <strong>and</strong> most <strong>of</strong> the effort is wasted.<br />
Even an inadequate working hypothesis with some conformation to fact is<br />
better than nothing. It coordinates procedure.<br />
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