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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 />

87

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